A distillation apparatus is a setup used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points. It typically consists of a heat source, a distillation flask, a condenser, and a receiving flask. When a liquid mixture is heated, the component with the lower boiling point vaporizes first, travels through the condenser, and is collected in the receiving flask as a purified liquid. This process is commonly used in laboratories and industries to purify liquids or separate components, such as in the production of alcohol or the extraction of essential oils. The efficiency of distillation depends on the design and materials of the apparatus.