Question

Why is it possible to separate mixtures of liquids by boiling?

Answer 1

Because liquids have different boiling points.

Explanation:

Every liquid has a different boiling point; for example, water (`H_2O`) has a boiling point of `212` degrees Fahrenheit (`100` degrees Celsius) at sea level, and household bleach (sodium hypochlorite, or `NaClO`) has a boiling point of `214` degrees Fahrenheit (`101` degrees Celsius) at sea level. (Above and below sea level, they would boil at lower and higher temperatures, respectively).

If you had a water-bleach mixture (they will actually dissolve because they are both polar), and you heated it to `212` degrees Fahrenheit (`100` degrees Celsius) at sea level, the water would evaporate, but the bleach wouldn't, leaving you with water vapor and bleach.