Final answer:
Distillation involves converting a liquid to a gas and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid. It separates components based on volatility, with the most volatile substances condensing and being collected separately.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distillation requires the transition of a substance from liquid to gas, and then the subsequent condensation of the vapor back to the liquid state. Distillation is a physical process that separates homogeneous mixtures into their component substances, taking advantage of differences in their volatilities.
During distillation, the most volatile component of the mixture, such as water in a solution of salt and water, boils first. This vapor then travels to a condenser where it cools and condenses back into a liquid form, which is collected in a separate container, while the less volatile components, like salt, remain in the distillation flask.