Question

The set up below represent the apparatus that may be used to separate ethanol from water.

1. Why is it possible to separate ethanol from water.
2. Explain the role played by the fractionating column.
3. State the role of the glass beads in the fractionating column.
4. At what temperature does ethanol distill off
5. What would happen if the inlet and outlet were exchanged in the Liebig’s condenser .

Answer 1

1. It is because they have different boiling points
2. It allows water vapour to condense into liquid and flow back into the flask before boiling point of water is reached
3. Glass beads increase the surface area for condensation
4. It distills off at 78°C
5. Condensation would still take place but it will be less efficient