What would be worse if steel wool does not present in fractional distillation?

If steel wool is not present in fractional distillation, the efficiency of the separation process could be significantly reduced. Steel wool provides a large surface area for vaporization and condensation, which is essential for achieving effective separation of components based on their boiling points. Without it, the distillation might result in poor separation, leading to impure products and reduced overall yield. This could compromise the quality of the distilled substances and hinder the intended application.