6. Chromatography and fractional distillation can be used to separate. In which type of separation is a thermometer needed for checking that complete separation has occurred? A) Chromatographic separation of two colourless solids B) Chromatographic separation of two solids of different colours C) Fractional distillation of two colourless solids D) Fractional distillation of two solids of different colours
Answer (1)
In this question, we are examining two methods of separation: chromatography and fractional distillation. Both are used to separate components based on different principles, but in this scenario, we are focusing on which method requires a thermometer to ensure the complete separation of the components.
Chromatography : This method is used to separate different substances in a mixture based on their movement through a stationary medium. It does not typically require a thermometer because it does not rely on temperature to separate components. Instead, it relies on the rate at which the components move through the medium.
Option A : Chromatographic separation of two colorless solids does not need a thermometer.
Option B : Chromatographic separation of two solids of different colors also does not require a thermometer.
Fractional Distillation : This process is used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on different boiling points. The use of a thermometer is critical here because it allows monitoring of the temperature to ensure that the correct components are being distilled at their respective boiling points.
Option C : Fractional distillation of two colorless solids would require a thermometer since it involves monitoring the boiling points.
Option D : Fractional distillation of two solids of different colors would also require a thermometer for the same reason.
Since fractional distillation is the technique that relies on temperature to achieve separation, a thermometer is needed to ensure that each component is completely separated based on its boiling point.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) Fractional distillation of two colorless solids . This is because the process requires monitoring the temperature to ensure accurate separation of the two components by their boiling points.
