The diagram below shows the apparatus that can be used in fractional distillation. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the process shown in the diagram?
1 Covalent bonds between atoms are broken at position 1 and have reformed at position 3.
2 The particles are closer together at position 3 than at position 2.
3 The physical process at position 1 involves an exothermic change.

Answer:

6) C

1 – Wrong. Covalent bonds in position 1 are between one liquid and the other liquid. However, in position 3, only one of the liquids is obtained so the same covalent bonds are not formed.

2 – Correct. In position 3, the particles are in liquid form but in position 2, particles are in gas form. Particles are closer in liquid form than gas form.

3 – Wrong. In position 1, heat is being supplied to the mixture. So it is an endothermic process. Also, breaking bonds requires energy so it must be an endothermic change.

Since only statement 2 is correct, C is the answer.