Question

Explain why the column of a fractional distillation apparatus should be aligned as near to the vertical as possible

Answer 1

The column of a fractional distillation apparatus should be aligned vertical to get better separation because the column is essentially longer. It will prevent channeling in the column. Therefore column efficiency will be higher if it is as vertical as possible instead of tilted. Distillation is a process used to separate a mixture of two (or more) components. In a typical fractional distillation, a liquid mixture is heated in the distilling flask and the process begins.