Question

Why might a gas bubbler be inserted into a vacuum distillation?

a) To prevent impurities from entering the distillate
b) To aid in the separation of components
c) To control the temperature of the distillation
d) To prevent the vacuum from collapsing

Answer 1

A gas bubbler is inserted into a vacuum distillation to prevent the vacuum from collapsing, ensuring the integrity of the distillation process under reduced pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

You have asked why a gas bubbler might be inserted into a vacuum distillation setup. The correct answer is d) To prevent the vacuum from collapsing.

A vacuum distillation is used to separate substances under reduced pressure, which allows the distillation to occur at lower temperatures. The gas bubbler, often filled with an inert gas like nitrogen, provides a way to control the system's pressure without letting air and impurities enter. It acts as a safeguard against atmospheric pressure pushing back into the system and counteracts any changes that might compromise the vacuum. Without this balance, the vacuum could collapse, which would disrupt the distillation process, possibly leading to contamination or system failure. Therefore, the presence of a gas bubbler is crucial in maintaining the vacuum integrity during the distillation process.