Fractional distillation is a process used to separate mixtures of liquids based on their different boiling points. It involves heating the mixture in a distillation column, where the liquid vaporizes and rises through the column. As the vapor cools, it condenses back into liquid at various heights, allowing for the collection of different components at different temperatures. This technique is commonly used in industries such as petroleum refining and chemical production. By carefully controlling the temperature, manufacturers can efficiently separate valuable products like gasoline, kerosene, and other hydrocarbons from crude oil.