Concept:
Separation of liquids depends on the physical properties of the components in the mixture.
• Volatility: The tendency of a substance to vaporize.
• Boiling Point: The temperature at which vapor pressure equals external pressure.
Step 1: Understanding the mechanism.
When a mixture of two liquids is heated, the one with higher volatility evaporates faster.
This vapor is then collected and condensed back into a liquid.
Step 2: Defining Distillation.
Distillation is the specific unit operation that utilizes these boiling point differences.
It results in a "distillate" rich in volatile components and a "residue" of less volatile ones.
Step 3: Comparing with Evaporation.
Evaporation usually removes a volatile solvent (water) to concentrate a non-volatile solid.
Distillation is used when the components to be separated are both liquid.
Final Answer: (B)