
Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation is a process used to separate components of a mixture based on their different boiling points. It involves heating the mixture to a temperature where some substances evaporate into gas, then cooling it so these gases condense back into liquid at different levels. This technique is commonly used for refining crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other fuels. By using a tall column, known as a fractionating column, the process achieves efficient separation, allowing for the collection of specific liquids at various heights, each corresponding to different boiling points.