In order to separate the components of a binary mixture, the relative volatility should be a) less than unity b) equal to unity c) greater than unity d) greater than zero e) to maximize liquid extraction,

Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A binary mixture is defined as the mixture which contains two components in the aqueous medium. The two components are solute and solvent.

And, volatility is defined as the ability of a liquid solution or substance to readily change into vapors.

For a binary solution the expression for relative volatility is as follows.

              =

where,     = relative volatility of more volatile component i

                = vapor-liquid equilibrium concentration of component i in the vapor phase

                = vapor-liquid equilibrium concentration of component i in the liquid phase

                = vapor-liquid equilibrium concentration of component j in the vapor phase

                  = vapor-liquid equilibrium concentration of component j in the liquid phase

So, when > 1 then separation by distillation is easier in nature.

Thus, we can conclude that in order to separate the components of a binary mixture, the relative volatility should be greater than unity.