Distillation
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What this model shows
Two runs at normal pressure. First, water is recovered from a dilute salt solution by simple distillation; the heat goes off while enough water remains to keep the salt dissolved. Then a mixture of two liquids, A and B, is separated by fractional distillation.
A and B are imaginary liquids that mix completely, with pure boiling points of 65 °C and 100 °C and no azeotrope; A evaporates more readily throughout. The thermometer readings are a qualitative sketch of the head temperature; time is compressed; no splashing, leaks or losses are modelled.
The magnified view shows far fewer, larger particles than real. The bars show which fraction is richer in A; drawn proportions are illustrative.
Real work needs a teacher-approved apparatus and safety procedure. Never heat a closed apparatus, heat to dryness or taste a sample.
With reduced motion, each heating or cooling step finishes at once and nothing moves on its own.
Select a piece of equipment, on the bench or here, to read about it in the card.