Simple distillation is a method used to separate liquids based on their different boiling points. In this process, a mixture is heated in a container, causing the liquid with the lower boiling point to vaporize first. The vapor then travels through a cooling tube, where it condenses back into a liquid and is collected in a separate container. This technique is commonly used to purify water or separate alcohol from a mixture. Simple distillation is effective when the boiling points of the components differ significantly, typically by at least 25 degrees Celsius.