Question

Assertion (A): It is not possible to separate the components of an azeotrope by fractional distillation.
Reason (R): Components of an azeotrope have the same composition in liquid and vapour phase and boil at a constant temperature.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Fractional distillation separates liquids only when the vapour has a different composition from the boiling liquid. An azeotrope is a constant boiling mixture.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the assertion-reason format.
We first check if the Assertion is true, then if the Reason is true, and finally whether the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Step 2: Check the Assertion.
An azeotrope is a constant boiling mixture. Its components cannot be separated by fractional distillation. So the Assertion is TRUE.

Step 3: Check the Reason.
In an azeotrope the liquid and the vapour have the same composition, and the mixture boils at a constant temperature. This statement is also TRUE.

Step 4: See if the Reason explains the Assertion.
Fractional distillation works only when the vapour has a different composition from the liquid. Since an azeotrope has identical vapour and liquid composition, separation is impossible. So the Reason is exactly why the Assertion holds.

Step 5: Conclude.
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. This is option 1.

\[ \boxed{\text{Both A and R true; R is the correct explanation of A}} \]