Fraction - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Richard Boole

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In GCSE Chemistry, a fraction refers to a distinct part of a mixture that can be separated based on its physical properties, such as boiling point. During a process like fractional distillation, crude oil is heated, and different substances within it evaporate at different temperatures. Each of these substances that condenses at a certain range of temperatures is called a fraction. These fractions include various fuels and chemicals, like petrol and diesel, which are useful for different purposes. Understanding fractions helps in comprehending how mixtures are broken down into more useful components.

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Richard Boole

Reviewer: Richard Boole

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.

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