Fractional distillation
What Fractional distillation means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Fractional distillation
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Reference: AQA
A separation process using a fractionating column with a temperature gradient, hot at the bottom and cooler at the top, where each fraction condenses at a different height.
Separates the mixture of hydrocarbons in crude oil into fractions, each containing molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms.
The separation of the compounds in crude oil, which is possible because the compounds have different boiling points.
Separates the hydrocarbons in crude oil in a fractionating column that is hot at the bottom and cooler at the top.
Separates the mixture of products because the products have different boiling points.
Topics that use Fractional distillation
- Cracking and alkenes (AQA GCSE)
- Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes (AQA GCSE)
- Fractional distillation and petrochemicals (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
Using Fractional distillation in the exam
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