Question

In a distillation column, what is the primary purpose of using hot water as part of the cooling process?

A) To increase the temperature of the column.
B) To maintain a constant temperature inside the column.
C) To condense and cool down the vaporized substances in the column.
D) To speed up the distillation process.

Answer 1

Hot water is used in a distillation column to condense and cool down vaporized substances, aiding in their separation based on boiling points.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary purpose of using hot water as part of the cooling process in a distillation column is C) To condense and cool down the vaporized substances in the column. As vapors rise through the column and cool, those of higher boiling points condense first and are collected, followed by those of lower boiling points. This process of condensation separates the mixture into its components based on their different boiling points, allowing for the distillation of substances like crude oil into different fractions or the purification of water.