English National Curriculum - Science

Fractional distillation

Mission Objectives

Name and describe the main fractions obtained from crude oil and their common uses

Explain how fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions and how chain length affects their properties

Predict how changes in hydrocarbon chain length influence properties such as colour, viscosity, flammability and boiling point

Sign up to access this content
Rocket Words Quiz

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

View and print the lesson plan

View

Downloads

Save files related to this lesson

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

viscosity

a measure of how thick or runny a liquid is — the higher the viscosity, the thicker and less easily it flows

volatility

a measure of how easily a liquid evaporates and turns into a gas — substances with lower boiling points are more volatile

fractions

groups of hydrocarbons from crude oil that have similar chain lengths and boiling points

fuel

a substance that releases energy when it burns, usually by reacting with oxygen in a combustion reaction

fractional distillation

a process used to separate a mixture of liquids with different boiling points, such as separating crude oil into fractions

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey

Samantha Batch

Samantha is a dedicated and accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience in the field, coupled with a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven track record of strategically managing educational departments, driving operational efficiencies, and nurturing collaborative relationships with stakeholders. 

Samantha previously served as the Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 teaching experience and leadership. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, she is also an examiner for AQA, providing her with valuable insight into assessment standards and exam specifications.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket, where she's enthusiastically honing her skills both on and off the pitch!

Required Resources

Resources: 

Teacher demo: fractional distillation and compare the viscosity and flammability of some fractions

  • Watch glasses
  • Heatproof mat
  • White tile 
  • Lighter/matches
  • Mineral wool 
  • Pipettes
  • Handouts

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval from Developing Experts of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organisation or individual.

Developing Experts bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

You will be redirected to:

Expert film

Sign up to access this content

This lesson is only available to users with an active subscription.

Mission assignment film

Sign up to access this content

This lesson is only available to users with an active subscription.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.