Final answer:
The two major sources of liquid loss during lab distillation are evaporation and flaring losses from the apparatus, and volumetric measurement errors due to incorrect readings or cylinder distortions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two major sources that cause lost liquid during a distillation process in the lab are the following:
Evaporation and Flaring Losses: As the volatile liquid A becomes vaporized during the distillation, some of the vapor may escape from the apparatus due to improper sealing or through open interfaces during the transfer of liquid, which is especially more pronounced in fractional distillation setups due to their complexity.
Volumetric Measurement Errors: During the quantification of liquids either before or after the distillation process, inaccuracies may arise from reading the meniscus incorrectly or due to imperfections or distortions in the graduated cylinders. This can lead to reporting a volume that is slightly off from the actual amount of liquid present.
Understanding these potential losses helps emphasize the need for careful technique and proper equipment maintenance in laboratory settings.