Question Detail
Question
In steam distillation, why do the liquids boil at a lower temperature than their normal boiling points?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The total pressure equals the sum of the vapor pressures of water and the organic components (aqueous tension). When this sum equals atmospheric pressure, boiling occurs at a lower temperature than the normal boiling point of the organic compound.
Hint
Total pressure = aqueous tension + vapor pressure of liquid components.