Question

question 27 of 30 which method can be used to separate a mixture of ethanol and water into its component parts? a. chromatography b. freezing c. distillation d. filtering

Explanation:

To separate ethanol and water, we analyze each option:

• Option A (Chromatography): Used for separating components in a mixture based on their different affinities for a stationary and mobile phase, not suitable for ethanol - water mixture separation.
• Option B (Freezing): Ethanol and water form a mixture with a freezing point depression. Freezing them together won't separate them effectively as they don't freeze at distinct temperatures suitable for separation.
• Option C (Distillation): Ethanol and water have different boiling points (ethanol boils at around 78.4°C and water at 100°C). Distillation takes advantage of the difference in boiling points to separate the components by vaporizing the more volatile component (ethanol) and then condensing it.
• Option D (Filtering): Used to separate solids from liquids or gases. Since both ethanol and water are liquids, filtering can't separate them.

Answer:

C. Distillation