Which method can be used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points?

• A. Filtration
• B. Chromatography
• C. Distillation
• D. Centrifugation

Answer: (C)

Distillation is the method used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points. In distillation, a mixture is heated to a temperature where one or more components vaporize. The vapor is then collected and condensed back into liquid form in a different container. This technique relies on the fact that different substances have different boiling points; those with lower boiling points will evaporate first, allowing for their separation from substances with higher boiling points.

This method is particularly effective for purifying liquids or separating components in a liquid mixture, such as in the separation of ethanol from water or crude oil into its various components. Each substance in the mixture will vaporize and condense at its unique boiling point, enabling efficient separation.