Can Salt Solution Be Separated by Simple Distillation?

Yes, a salt solution can be separated by simple distillation.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

• The Process: Simple distillation leverages the difference in boiling points between water and salt. Water has a much lower boiling point (100°C) than salt (which typically decomposes before boiling at very high temperatures).

• How it Works:

  1. The salt solution is heated.
  2. The water boils and turns into steam (water vapor).
  3. The steam rises and enters a condenser, which is a cool environment.
  4. In the condenser, the steam cools and condenses back into liquid water.
  5. The distilled water (now separated from the salt) is collected.
  6. The salt remains behind in the original container.

• Why it Works: The salt remains in the original container because its boiling point is significantly higher than the water's. At the temperature required to boil water, the salt stays in its solid form.

• Result: Distillation effectively separates the water from the salt, resulting in purified water and solid salt residue.

In summary, simple distillation is a suitable method for separating salt solutions, relying on the significant difference in boiling points between water and salt.