Simple distillation
I can describe how distillation is used to separate and recover a liquid from a solution.
Simple distillation
I can describe how distillation is used to separate and recover a liquid from a solution.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A liquid can be separated from a solution by vaporising it and then quickly condensing it.
- Distillation works due to one part of a solution having a different boiling point than the other part.
- A condenser should be kept cold to speed up condensation.
- The liquid collected (distillate) is pure.
Keywords
Distillation - Distillation is a separation technique that uses boiling and condensation to remove and isolate a liquid part of a mixture.
Condensation - Condensation is the process by which a substance in the gas state is cooled and changes to a liquid state.
Delivery tube - A delivery tube is a thin tube used to transfer (i.e. "deliver") a substance (usually in the gas state) from one container to another.
Condenser - A condenser is a piece of apparatus composed of a tube surrounded by a cold layer, usually cold water.
Distillate - The liquid that is condensed from the gas state during distillation is called the distillate.
Common misconception
Pupils struggle to understand gas state; thinking solids, liquids and gases as 'types' of matter.
Refer to/use particle models to help clarify different states of matter and use these to describe why separation techniques work.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Simple distillation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Simple 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 3 science lessons from the Separation techniques unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Where a liquid turns into a gas at the substance's surface.
Where a liquid turns into a gas at a specific temperature.
Where a gas is changed into a liquid.