Definition - What does Fraction mean?

Fraction can be defined as one of the components of a mixture, which has been separated from the mixture using the process of fractional distillation. As a result of the fractional distillation, a liquid can get any number of fractions, which are just the different number of parts derived from the process. Crude oil is distilled into fractions by boiling it. This is possible because the compounds found in the crude oil have different boiling points that helps in extracting the substances easily.

Petropedia explains Fraction

Crude oil is refined by conducting fractional distillation that results into the derivation of different fractions. After distillation, these fractions can be further refined for various uses. The substances found in crude oil have different boiling points; hence it is easy to perform fractional distillation and get fractions. Each fraction has a distinct use, different properties and is composed of hydrocarbon molecules with carbon atoms. Elements such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene and gases are all different oil fractions that are primarily used as fuels. Apart from being used as fuels, these fractions also have other uses.

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