Fractional Distillation

Definition

Fractional distillation is a special type of distillation designed to separate a mixture of two or more liquids that have different boiling points.

Related terms

Fractionating Column: A tube filled with glass beads or plates designed to increase surface area for repeated condensation and evaporation during fractional distillation.

Condensation: The change of state from gas to liquid; occurs when gas particles lose energy.

Evaporation: The change of state from liquid to gas; occurs when liquid particles gain enough energy.