Question

What role do the following parts play during fractional distillation of water and ethanol?

1. The fractionating column. 
2. The glass beads

Answer 1

1. The fractionating column. 
   • Fractionating column; allow water vapour to condense into liquid and flow back to the flask before boiling point of water is reached. 
2. The glass beads 
   • Glass beads; - increase the surface area for condensation of water to take place.