In a simple distillation setup, what is the sequence of equipment from the bench top to the round bottom flask?

The correct sequence of equipment in a simple distillation setup is primarily focused on how the components are organized for effective heating and support of the round bottom flask. Starting from the bench top and moving to the round bottom flask, the lab jack serves as a stable platform to elevate the heating mantle, which is necessary to provide uniform heat to the flask. The heating mantle itself is the device used to generate the heat required for distillation.

Following this logic, once the lab jack is correctly positioned on the bench, the heating mantle is placed on top of it to allow for the round bottom flask to be securely fitted into the opening of the mantle. The stir plate is typically not directly involved in the heating process—it is used for stirring the contents of the flask if needed but does not play a central role in the distillation's heating setup. Therefore, placing the stir plate after the heating mantle, perhaps as a separate piece of equipment for later use, is logical.

The arrangement of lab jack to heating mantle to stir plate ensures that the flask is elevated and supported for the heating process, allowing for efficient operation of the distillation apparatus. This logical sequence prioritizes stability and functionality in the distillation process.