Fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions primarily because of differences in what property?

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Prepare for the WJEC GCSE Chemistry Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence. Get exam-ready today!

Multiple Choice

Fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions primarily because of differences in what property?

Explanation:
Differences in boiling points drive fractional distillation. When crude oil is heated, components with lower boiling points vaporize first. These vapors rise up the column, which has a temperature gradient, so they condense at higher levels where it’s cooler. Heavier components with higher boiling points stay liquid longer and condense lower down. This physical separation relies on volatility, not on how dense or viscous a liquid is, and not on chemical reactivity, which isn’t involved in the distillation process.

Differences in boiling points drive fractional distillation. When crude oil is heated, components with lower boiling points vaporize first. These vapors rise up the column, which has a temperature gradient, so they condense at higher levels where it’s cooler. Heavier components with higher boiling points stay liquid longer and condense lower down. This physical separation relies on volatility, not on how dense or viscous a liquid is, and not on chemical reactivity, which isn’t involved in the distillation process.

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