Final answer:
Distillation should never be performed in a sealed apparatus due to the risk of pressure build-up and possible explosion. A non-sealed distillation apparatus allows the controlled release of vapor pressure and safe condensation of the liquid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why You Should Not Perform Distillation in a Sealed Apparatus
During distillation, a sealed apparatus should not be used because the process involves the conversion of a liquid into vapor and back into a liquid. This vaporization process generates vapor pressure as molecules escape from the liquid phase to the gas phase. If this occurs in a sealed environment, the pressure will build up to the point where it may become too high, risking an explosion of the apparatus. This is because the sealed apparatus does not allow for the escape of excess pressure.
To ensure safety and the functionality of the distillation process, the setup must be able to accommodate the expansion of gases without generating unsafe pressure levels. This is typically done by allowing the vapor to escape through the hole, controlling the pressure to prevent explosive danger and to ensure that distillation can be carried out properly, which includes a vapor phase at ambient pressure and the subsequent condensation into a liquid phase.
Therefore, a distillation apparatus is designed to have parts like a condenser with openings for gas to enter and for the condensed liquid to be collected. This setup prevents the dangerous buildup of pressure that a sealed system would otherwise cause.