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Fractional Distillation Ordering Activity

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Fractional Distillation Ordering Activity

Fractional distillation apparatus

🎯 Success Criteria

By the end of this activity, I can:

Order the stages of fractional distillation correctly

Explain what happens at each stage

Give real-world examples of fractional distillation

📋 Part 1: Ordering Activity

Instructions: The stages of fractional distillation are listed below in the wrong order. Number them 1-6 in the correct sequence.

Scrambled Stages:

_____ Different fractions condense at different heights in the column

_____ Crude oil is heated to about 400°C

_____ Hot vapours rise up the fractionating column

_____ Separated fractions are collected at different levels

_____ Most of the crude oil vaporises (turns to gas)

_____ The column is hottest at the bottom and coolest at the top

SEND Support - Visual Clues:

🔥 = heating, ⬆️ = rising, ❄️ = cooling, 📦 = collecting

✏️ Part 2: Understanding Check

1. Why does crude oil need to be heated to 400°C?
2. Explain why different fractions condense at different heights in the column.
3. Complete the sentence: Fractional distillation separates crude oil because different hydrocarbons have different _____________ points.
4. Match each fraction to where it condenses in the column:
Petrol
Diesel
Bitumen
Bottom (hottest)
Middle
Top (coolest)

🚀 Extension Activities

5. Advanced: Explain why fractional distillation is used instead of simple distillation for crude oil. Include the terms "boiling points" and "mixture" in your answer.
6. Real-world Applications: Give three examples of how fractional distillation products are used in everyday life.

a) ________________________________

b) ________________________________

c) ________________________________

7. Challenge: Research and name one other industrial process that uses fractional distillation (not crude oil).
8. Evaluation: What are the environmental concerns with fractional distillation of crude oil?

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