Practical 4

In this demonstration, pure liquid water is obtained from salt solution using simple distillation.

Theory

Simple distillation is a separation technique used to separate a pure solvent from a solution. The solution is heated to increase the speed of evaporation. The solvent, which has a lower boiling point than the solute, will evaporate, leaving the solute behind. Finally, the solvent vapours can be condensed via a condenser and collected.

Read all the instructions carefully before starting the experiment.

1.   Salt solution is poured into the distillation/ round-bottom flask.

2.   The distillation flask is heated with a Bunsen burner.

3.   Tap water is ran through the condenser, with the water input from the lower opening.

4.   Pure water is collected in the conical flask.

Questions

a)       State the names of A, B, C, D, and E.

A:

B:

C:

D:

E:

b)       What is the function of the B?

c)       On the diagram above, indicate the direction of water in and out of the condenser.