What is the function of a condenser in a distillation setup?

The function of a condenser in a distillation setup is to cool and condense vapor back into liquid. During the distillation process, the mixture is heated, causing the component with the lower boiling point to vaporize. As this vapor rises through the distillation apparatus, it eventually reaches the condenser, which is typically maintained at a lower temperature using a cooling mechanism, such as water circulation.

As the vapor encounters the cooler surfaces of the condenser, it loses energy, resulting in a decrease in temperature that allows it to transition back into its liquid state. This liquid, often referred to as the distillate, is then collected in a receiving flask. The effectiveness of the condenser is crucial in ensuring that the vapor is efficiently converted back to liquid form, thus allowing for the separation of components based on their boiling points.

The other functions listed, such as heating the liquid to a boil, collecting solid residues, and filtering out impurities, are not the primary roles of the condenser. Heating is typically performed by a separate heating source, while solid residues are generally managed through other parts of the distillation setup, and filtration is a distinct process used to remove impurities prior to distillation.