Distillation Setup Lab
Separate two liquids by boiling point in a virtual distillation apparatus.
About the Distillation Setup Lab
Free virtual distillation lab. Heat a mixture of two liquids, watch the thermometer, collect the distillate and see how boiling points decide what separates first. Built for chemistry labs, the distillation setup lab runs instantly in your browser: change a setting or drag an object and the result updates at once, so you learn by trying things out rather than only reading about them.
Separate two liquids by boiling point in a virtual distillation apparatus. Use it to explore chemistry labs ideas at your own pace, then check what you found against the key ideas further down this page.
How to use the Distillation Setup Lab
- Use the controls to change Starting ethanol, Burner power. The simulation reacts instantly.
- Press "Heat on", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening.
- Where you see a glowing handle, object, weight or atom, drag it with your mouse or finger. Everything responds in real time.
- Watch the readouts and graphs update as you experiment, and compare what you see with the key ideas below.
Things to try
- Heat a 40% ethanol mixture slowly.
- Compare with high power.
- Check the ethanol in the distillate.
- Start with 10% ethanol.
Key ideas you can learn
- The liquid with the lower boiling point vaporises first.
- The vapour is cooled in the condenser and collected as distillate.
- The thermometer stays near the boiling point of the component that is currently boiling.
Where this is used in the real world
Distillation produces drinking water, fuels, spirits and perfumes, and separates chemicals in industry.
Who is this simulation for?
Students preparing for practical exams and teachers who want a virtual lab. You can repeat the experiment without chemicals, waste or safety risks.
For teachers: project it on the board, let students predict what will happen, then run it together. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Frequently asked questions
How does distillation separate two liquids?
By heating the mixture until the lower-boiling liquid turns to vapour, then cooling that vapour back to a liquid in a separate container.
What is the difference between simple and fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation adds a column that repeatedly condenses and re-evaporates, so liquids with close boiling points can be separated better.
Is the Distillation Setup Lab free to use?
Yes. It is completely free, with no signup, no download and no ads inside the simulation. It runs in your web browser.
Does the Distillation Setup Lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. It uses touch as well as the mouse, so you can drag objects with your finger. A larger screen makes the controls easier to see.