Question

Mixture of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol is separated using steam distillation

Answer 1

NO2 is an ortho/para directing group i.e. if you draw resonating structures there will be positive charge on ortho and para position only. (Resonance works while Π bonds are in conjugation).

Inductive effect has nothing to do with conjugation. Even a simple alkyl group shows inductive effect.(+I effect as it donates its electron density to a more electronegative side atom). So inductive effect is effective at all places- ortho, meta and para. Also inductive effect decreases with distance ( that's because of decrease in difference in electronegativity of side atom).