Chem - Crude Oil And Hydrocarbon Flashcards
Where does crude oil come from?
Found in rocks, is the remains of ancient biomass
What are hydrocarbons?
Molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon only
What is the general formula for the homologous series of alkanes?
CnH2n+2
What are the first four members of the alkane family?
Methane, ethane, propane and butane
How are hydrocarbons separated from the crude oil?
Fractional distillation
What materials does the separation of crude oil produce
Fuels and oils for plastics and lubricants
molecules within crude oil vary in size, how does the affect their viscosity and flammability
Larger molecules have bigger intermolecular forces and therefore are less viscous
What does complete combustion produce?
Carbon dioxide and water (H2O) from the oxidised hydrogen
What harmful gas does incomplete combustion produce
Carbon monoxide
What issues does suffer dioxide cause
Respiratory problems
What issues do particulates cause
Global dimming
What are three examples of greenhouse gasses
Water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane
What is a carbon footprint?
Total amount of carbon dioxide (and other gasses) emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event
What is hydrocarbon cracking
Where hydrocarbons are broken down to produce smaller more useful molecules
What two methods can be used to crack hydrocarbons
Catalytic cracking and steam cracking