Fractional crystallization is a physical process by which a chemical mixture is separated into its component parts (fractions) based on the different solubilities of its constituents. This technique is commonly used in the purification and production of various chemicals, minerals, and in the isolation of specific substances from complex mixtures.
The process is carried out by cooling a liquid solution or melting a solid mixture to the point where one of the components begins to crystallize because it is less soluble at lower temperatures. The crystals that form are separated from the remaining liquid (now richer in the other components) through physical means such as filtration or decantation.
By repeating this process (multiple stages of crystallization and separation), it is possible to increase the purity of the separated component, since each crystallization step will result in a product that is richer in the desired material. Fractional crystallization is widely used in geology for the differentiation of magma, in the chemical industry for purification of substances, and in the production of high-purity materials for electronics and other high-tech applications.
Briefly explain fractional crystallization
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