Which of the following describes the four steps involved in fractional distillation?

The correct choice outlines the sequential processes involved in fractional distillation accurately. This method is used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points of the components.

The initial step, evaporating, involves heating the mixture to a temperature where some components will vaporize. As the temperature increases, the vapor rises through the column. The next step, rising, emphasizes the movement of the vapor up the column where it encounters a cooler environment.

The subsequent phase is condensing, which occurs as the vapor cools and turns back into a liquid at various heights depending on the boiling points of the components. This allows for the separation of different substances based on their boiling points as the vapor ascends.

Finally, in the collecting stage, the condensed liquid is gathered. This allows the different components to be collected separately, each having been distilled at different temperatures, making it possible to effectively separate the mixture.

This sequence captures the essential processes of fractional distillation, highlighting both the physical changes of the substances involved and the method's efficiency in separating components.