Distillation is a process used to separate liquids based on their different boiling points. When a mixture is heated, the liquid with the lowest boiling point turns into vapor first. This vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, allowing it to be collected separately. This method is commonly used to purify water or produce alcoholic beverages like whiskey and vodka. In addition to purification, distillation can also concentrate certain substances. For example, in the production of essential oils, the steam distillation method extracts fragrant compounds from plants. This technique is essential in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals.