Explain the process of fractional distillation.

(N/A) Fractional distillation is a technique used to separate a mixture of two or more liquids when the difference in their boiling points is not large.
In this process,the liquid mixture is taken in a round-bottom $(R.B.)$ flask and heated slowly. The vapours of the mixture are passed through a fractionating column before condensation. The fractionating column is fitted over the mouth of the $R.B.$ flask.
As the vapours rise up the column,they undergo repeated condensation and vaporization. The vapours of the liquid with the higher boiling point condense more readily and return to the flask,while the vapours of the liquid with the lower boiling point rise to the top of the column.
Thus,the vapours reaching the top of the column become progressively richer in the more volatile component (the liquid with the lower boiling point). These vapours are then condensed and collected in a receiver.