Separation of two miscible liquids by distillation in Is Matter Pure – Class 9 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Is Matter Pure
Activity Name: Separation of two miscible liquids by distillation in Is Matter Pure
Activity Description:
In this experiment, we will demonstrate the process of distillation to separate a mixture of two miscible liquids, acetone, and water. Distillation is a separation technique used to separate the components of a mixture based on their differences in boiling points.
Acetone and water are both miscible, meaning they can mix evenly, but they have significantly different boiling points, which allows for their separation through distillation.
Required Items:
- Distillation flask
- Thermometer
- Condenser
- Beaker
- Acetone-water mixture
Step by Step Procedure:
- Take a mixture of acetone and water in the distillation flask.
- Fit the distillation flask with a thermometer.
- Arrange the setup for distillation, attaching the condenser to one side of the flask, and placing a beaker at the other end to collect the distillate.
- Begin heating the mixture slowly while closely monitoring the temperature using the thermometer.
- Acetone vaporizes due to its lower boiling point and then condenses in the condenser.
- Collect the condensed acetone from the condenser outlet into a separate container (beaker).
- Water remains in the distillation flask since it has a higher boiling point than acetone.
Experiment Observations:
- The mixture of acetone and water is heated.
- As the temperature rises, acetone vaporizes and travels through the condenser.
- The condensed acetone is collected in the beaker, leaving water behind in the distillation flask.
Precautions:
- The distillation process involves heating, so proper caution should be taken to avoid accidents or burns.
- Ensure that the distillation setup is securely assembled to prevent leakage or breakage.
- Handle acetone with care in a well-ventilated area due to its flammable nature.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
The experiment demonstrates that miscible liquids with significantly different boiling points can be separated using the distillation technique. Distillation is an effective method for obtaining components from a mixture based on their volatility and boiling points.
