Distillation - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Distillation is a separation process used in chemistry to separate two or more liquids based on their different boiling points. In GCSE Chemistry, you learn that when a mixture of liquids is heated, the liquid with the lower boiling point evaporates first and turns into vapour.

This vapour is then cooled in a condenser, where it turns back into a liquid and is collected separately. This process is useful for purifying liquids or collecting the desired component from a liquid mixture, such as separating pure water from saltwater.

Distillation is commonly used in laboratories, industry, and even in making perfumes and alcoholic drinks.