Chapter 15, Problem 16STP

To determine

The method of distillation of the seawater and the property on which the distillation is based.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The separation of the homogenous mixture is based on the chemical properties of the substances. The substances may be separated based on boiling point, melting point.

The process of separation of the separation of salt and water is called the distillation. The boiling point of the water and salt are different. The substance that has the lower boiling point changes into vapors first.

The water comes in vapour state first and the vapour is passed from a tube to another empty flask. The vapour gets condensed in another flask and all the water from the mixture is separated. The salt remains in the previous flask.

The distillation process is based on the boiling points of the substances in the mixture.

Conclusion:

Thus, the water and salt get separated due to different boiling points of the water and salt in the seawater.