# A student wants to obtain a sample of pure water from a salt solution. Describe how simple distillation could be used to do this, and explain why this method is suitable for separating water from the salt solution.

> WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales) — 1.3 Water · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The salt solution is heated
2. Water evaporates / turns to vapour / steam and leaves the solution
3. The water vapour is cooled and condensed to give liquid water
4. This method is suitable because water has a much lower boiling point than the dissolved salt / the solute has a much higher boiling point than the solvent

## Key terms

- [simple distillation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/simple-distillation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-wants-to-obtain-a-1c4ca3e2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.