8.1-8.16 Fuel and Earth Science Flashcards
What are hydrocarbons?
Compounds that contain hydrogen and Carbon ONLY
What is crude oil?
.A complex mixture of hydrocarbons
In Hydrocarbons how are the molecules situated?
In chains or rings
Is crude oil infinite or finite?
Finite
How does turning crude oil into useful mixtures by fractional distillation work?
.Each hydrocarbon has a different boiling point
.The crude oil is heated in the fractionating column and the oil evaporates and condenses at a number of different temperatures
.The fractionating column works continuously
.Heated crude oil is piped in at the bottom, the vapours rise up the column and vapourised fractions are tapped off at different heights
.The fractions can be processed to produce fuels and feedstock
What are the gases used for?
Domestic heating and cooking
What is petrol used for?
Fuel for cars
What is kerosene used for?
Fuel for aircraft
What is diesel oil used for?
Fuel for some cars and trains
What is fuel oil used for?
Fuel for large ships and in some power stations
What is bitumen used for?
Surface roads and roofs
Give three ways the hydrocarbons in each fraction differ from eachother
.The number of hydrogen and carbon atoms they contain
.Different boiling points
.Ease of ignition differs
.Viscosity differs
What is a homologous series?
A series of compounds that have similar properties
Give three similar properties a homologous series has
.Same general formula
.Similar physical properties
.Similar chemical properties
What is given out in the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels?
Energy
What is produced in the complete combustion of hydrocarbons?
Carbon dioxide and water
Why can the incomplete production of hydrocarbons produce carbon and carbon monoxide?
.If there is not enough oxygen some of the fuel doesn’t burn (Partial combustion)-Solid particles of carbon (soot) is released
.Carbon monoxide is released when there isnt enough oxygen to produce CO2 instead
Explain how carbon monoxide behaves as a toxic gas
.It is colourless and odourless gas which if inhaled binds to the haemoglobin preventing red blood cells from carrying oxygen around the body leading to death
What are the two problems caused by incomplete combustion producing carbon monoxide and soot?
.Carbon monoxide causes health problems
.Soot causes global dimming
How can impurities in hydrocarbons result in the production of sulfur dioxide?
.Most fuels like coal and carbon may also include some sulfur
.When the fuels are burnt in oxygen this can react and form sulfur dioxide
Give two problems that are associated with acid rain when sulfur dioxide dissolves in rainwater
.Damages buildings and statues made of limewater
.Reduce the growth of or kill trees or crops
.Lower Ph of water in lakes killing fish
What two elements react at high temperatures when fuels are burned in engines?
Nitrogen and Oxygen
When burned in engines what do nitrogen and oxygen combine to make?
Nitrogen monoxide
When nitrogen oxide is released from exhausts it combines with oxygen to form what?
Nitrogen dioxide