Which fraction is collected last in the fractional distillation of crude oil?

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Multiple Choice

Which fraction is collected last in the fractional distillation of crude oil?

Explanation:
In fractional distillation, the column separates components by boiling point: lighter, low-boiling fractions rise higher and condense near the top, while heavier, high-boiling fractions condense lower down. Bitumen has by far the highest boiling point and is too heavy to vaporize under the column conditions, so it remains as the bottom residue and is collected last. The other fractions—kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil—have lower boiling points and vaporize earlier, condensing higher up in the column.

In fractional distillation, the column separates components by boiling point: lighter, low-boiling fractions rise higher and condense near the top, while heavier, high-boiling fractions condense lower down. Bitumen has by far the highest boiling point and is too heavy to vaporize under the column conditions, so it remains as the bottom residue and is collected last. The other fractions—kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil—have lower boiling points and vaporize earlier, condensing higher up in the column.

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