Separation of components in a liquid solution

In chemical engineering, the separation of components in a liquid solution is a crucial process that allows the isolation and purification of specific substances. Several methods can be employed for this purpose, including fractional crystallization, liquid extraction, absorption, and evaporation. However, one of these methods, absorption, is not suitable for the separation of components in a liquid solution.

Explanation of the correct answer - Option C (Absorption)

1. Fractional crystallization:
Fractional crystallization is a process that involves the gradual cooling of a solution to induce the crystallization of different components. The solubility of the components at different temperatures allows for their separation based on their crystal formation. This method is particularly effective when the components have significantly different solubilities.

2. Liquid extraction:
Liquid extraction, also known as solvent extraction, is a technique that utilizes the differences in solubility between the components of a liquid solution. By introducing a selective solvent, the desired component(s) can be extracted from the solution, leaving behind the unwanted components. This method is commonly used for the separation and purification of organic compounds.

3. Absorption:
Absorption, on the other hand, is not suitable for the separation of components in a liquid solution. Absorption refers to the process of transferring a solute from the gas phase into a liquid phase. It is commonly used for gas purification or the removal of specific gases from a mixture. In this process, the solute molecules dissolve into the liquid phase through physical or chemical interactions. However, absorption is not effective for the separation of components in a liquid solution because it does not involve the direct separation of the liquid components themselves.

4. Evaporation:
Evaporation is a widely used method for the separation of components in a liquid solution. It takes advantage of the differences in boiling points or volatilities of the components. By heating the solution, the component(s) with lower boiling points or higher volatilities will vaporize and can be collected, while the remaining components will remain in the liquid phase.

Conclusion:
In summary, the separation of components in a liquid solution can be achieved through various methods such as fractional crystallization, liquid extraction, and evaporation. However, absorption, which involves the transfer of a solute from the gas phase into a liquid phase, is not suitable for this purpose.