Explain the differences between fractional and simple distillation which is more efficient how the efficiency could be enhanced What is the purpose of adding boiling stones?

Answer 1

The difference is that simple distillation will be used to separate substances within mixtures that have significantly different boiling points; whereas, with fractional distillation, the boiling points are closer and separation must be cared for differently. This is the reason why you must employ the use of an additional piece of apparatus called the fractionating column when undergoing fractional distillation.

Based on what is stated above, the more efficient method would have to be Fractional Distillation because it essentially separates the parts of the mixture much more precisely.

You could enhance fractional distillation by using boiling stones.

The reason for adding the boiling stones is to calm down the boiling of the liquid mixture. You really do not want the boiling to become too violent as is the case with "bumping" which is when the air pressure inside the liquid increases so rapidly that it will literally BUMP the glass while it is trying to expel the excess air pressure. Normally only th air will be relieced out from the opening of the container such as the top (ie. the surface of the liquid), but too much air and too little surface area at the top will cause air to be reliese radially outward and strike the sides of the container. Just try boiling eggs real fast with the stove on high and never turn it down; you'll see it happen.