A complete revision and exam practice pack for SC2d Distillation, covering the full Pearson Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (9–1) Separate Science specification for this topic (C2.7a, C2.7b, C0.6, C2.11 core practical).

Topic Mastery Sheet (PDF) - a comprehensive student reference built around the central principle that distillation separates liquids by exploiting differences in boiling point. The simple distillation section describes the apparatus piece by piece - flask, thermometer, condenser, collecting vessel, anti-bumping granules - with the function of each explained. The core practical of purifying water from ink is described in full: water boils at 100 °C and is collected as colourless distillate while the coloured dyes (with much higher boiling points) remain behind. The fractional distillation section explains how the fractionating column creates a temperature gradient that allows substances with similar boiling points to be separated - vapours repeatedly condense and re-evaporate as they rise through the column, becoming progressively richer in the more volatile component. The ethanol/water example is worked through in full, showing how ethanol (bp 78.5 °C) exits the top of the column first while water (bp 100 °C) is retained lower down. A comparison table sets out when to use each method. The section on sea water explains why simple distillation (not fractional) is appropriate for desalination - water is the only liquid, so no fractionating column is needed - and discusses why large-scale distillation is energy-intensive. The stretch section covers crude oil refining, the separation of liquid air into nitrogen and oxygen, and Raoult’s Law.

Student Exam Practice Sheet (PDF + DOCX) - seven exam-style questions including separation method MCQ, condenser function, large-scale distillation disadvantage, the three-mark ethanol/water fractional distillation question, why fractional distillation is not used for sea water, distilled water for chemical analysis, and a method selection reasoning question.

Teacher Answer Key (PDF + DOCX) - full tick-point mark scheme with examiner notes.

©BoxsiderResources. Licensed for classroom use by the purchasing teacher. Not for redistribution or resale.