Alkanes and Crude oil Flashcards
Definition of Crude oil
A mixture of mainly hydrocarbons.
What is a fraction
A group of compounds that have similar boiling points
How is crude oil formed
It is the remains of plants and animals which died millions of years ago. This is why it is called a fossil fuel
What is a hydrocarbon made up of
Hydrogen and carbon ONLY!
How many carbon atoms are in butane
4
How many carbon atoms are in propane
3
How can you work out the number of hydrogen atoms from the number of carbons
Double it and + 2
What is an isomer
A molecule with the same molecular formula but different structure, ( different displayed formula)
What family are alkanes from and what is it
Homologous series:
Has similar properties (all react in similar ways)
Physical properties change gradually throughout the series. Small alkanes are gasses. As they get bigger they become liquids. Really big alkanes are solids.
Do heavier fractions have higher boiling points.
Yes
Why do smaller fractions have low boiling points
There are low intermolecular bonds
How is crude oil separated in to various fractions in a refinery
Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons. The mixture is separated in the process called fractional distillation. Crude oil enters the bottom as a gas and rises. The hot gas condenses as it cools. Bigger fractions stay nearer the bottom. Smaller fractions with lower boiling points get further up the tower.
What is a fuel
A substance that, when burned, releases heat energy . This is an exothermic process.
In complete combustion what are the substances
fuel + oxygen = Water + carbon dioxide
What is incomplete combustion
If there is not enough oxygen then carbon monoxide or carbon is produced.
