Back to simulations

Separating Mixtures: Using distillation to concentrate ethanol | Virtual Lab

Get Pricing
High School
Higher Education
 
Separating Mixtures: Using distillation to concentrate ethanol
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

About This Simulation

Rescue a town from a fuel crisis by using your knowledge about matter and phase changes principles and performing ethanol distillation.

Learning Objectives

  • Read a phase diagram and explain each region
  • Interpret a heating curve of a given substance
  • Explain the difference between a heating curve and a phase diagram
  • Understand the basic steps of performing a distillation
  • Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter and classify changes of matter as physical or chemical

About This Simulation

Level:
High School
Higher Education
Length:
16
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English
Spanish

Lab Techniques

  • Distillation
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
  • Early Stage Bachelors Level
  • EHEA First Cycle
  • EHEA Short Cycle
  • FHEQ 5
  • FHEQ 6
  • FHEQ 4
  • US College Year 2
  • US College Year 1
  • Support for laboratory skills at all levels
NGSS:
  • HS-PS1-3
  • HS-PS1-4
  • HS-PS1-8
  • HS-PS1-5
  • PS1.A-E2
AP:
  • Chemistry 3.1. Intermolecular Forces
  • Chemistry 3.3 Solids, Liquids, and Gases
  • Chemistry 4.4 Physical and Chemical Changes
  • Chemistry 6.5 Energy of Phase Changes
LB:
  • Chemistry 4.4 Intermolecular forces
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Matter and Phase Changes: Distil ethanol” simulation.

Get ready to encounter how great the distillation technique is!  In this simulation, you will help a town concentrate ethanol in order to support them during their fuel shortage crisis. Are you ready to learn how to separate a homogeneous mixture of liquids?

Explore the difference between physical and chemical change

In the Separating Mixtures simulation, you will meet Jo who has a limited fuel supply and therefore wants to produce bioethanol. In order to help her, you must first know the difference between the physical and chemical change of a substance in order to find the right technique.  

Generate heating curves

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you are ready to learn about additional aspects of phase changes and be introduced to heat curves. You will learn how to interpret heating curves to identify important information of the boiling point of ethanol and water at atmospheric pressure. By doing so, you will be able to decode the meaning of each line of the heating curves and understand how this information is useful to your experiment. You will also be introduced to phase diagrams and understand how other physical properties can be predicted through this data.

Perform distillation

Once you have understood why distillation is the right technique, the next step is to perform it. At the end of the simulation, you will put your newly acquired knowledge to the test! You are going to use the distillation technique to achieve ethanol with higher purity. Will you be able to produce high purity ethanol and report your findings to Jo?

Experience Labster for Yourself

Boost Learning with Fun

75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster

Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus

Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content

Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists

Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios

Try Now
a group of people standing around a laptop computer

For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage

Professor Margaret Brady was able to enhance student learning with A&P virtual labs.
Margaret Brady
Associate Professor
North Dakota State College of Science

“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”

Lewis Mattin
PhD
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster

"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.

Melody McGill
Curriculum Coordinator
Modesto City Schools

"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."

user
Kyle Hammon
Adjunct Instructor
Wenatchee Valley College

"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”

Dr. Melody Esfandiari
Chemistry Lecturer
San José State University

"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."

Mr stuart
Dr. Stuart Goodall
Lecturer
Northumbria University

“The Labster simulations get students to do things, and they're not just sitting there consuming a webinar where their mind can drift. They become an active participant in that learning experience.”

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

How do students access Labster?

Labster is hosted online, which means that students only have to login from their internet browsers once an account is created.

How is Labster purchased?

Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.

How is Labster different from other learning solutions?

Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.

What types of courses does Labster support?

Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.