Question
It is possible to obtain oxygen from air by fractional distillation because
A.
oxygen is in a different group of the periodic table from nitrogen
B.
oxygen is more reactive than nitrogen
C.
oxygen has higher boiling point than nitrogen
D.
oxygen has a lower density than nitrogen
Answer :
oxygen has higher boiling point than nitrogen
Solution :
Oxygen gas is prepared by fractional distillation of air. During this process, dinitrogen with less boiling point $$(78K)$$ distills as vapours while dioxygen with higher boiling point $$(90 K)$$ remains in the liquid state and can be separated.