Water sample analysis: distillation
I can use distillation to purify water samples and analyse the distillate to test its purity.
Water sample analysis: distillation
I can use distillation to purify water samples and analyse the distillate to test its purity.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Distillation can be used to purify water samples.
- Boiling point data can be analysed to assess the purity of water samples.
- The more impurities present in a sample, the larger the temperature range over which the water will boil.
- Pure water boils at 100°C.
Keywords
Impurity - A chemical that is found in a material in very small amounts, but can change the material's properties.
Pure - A single element or compound that is not mixed with any other substance.
Sample - A smaller portion of a larger quantity of a substance.
Distillation - A separation technique that uses boiling and condensation to remove and isolate a liquid component of a mixture.
Distillate - The liquid that is condensed from the gas state during distillation.
Common misconception
All water samples boil at 100°C.
If a water sample is impure, the boiling point of water increases. The greater the amount of impurities in a water sample, the larger the temperature range over which it boils.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Water sample analysis: distillation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Water sample analysis: distillation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Separating substances unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Quickfit apparatus (or conical flask, test tube, delivery tube, ice, beaker, tripod, gauze), thermometer, Bunsen Burner, heatproof mat, sample of 'sea water'.
Licence
Lesson video
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