Cracking Flashcards
1
Q
What is cracking?
A
Splitting up long-chain hydrocarbons in to more useful short-chain molecules which are in higher demand.
2
Q
What are the characteristics of a long-chain hydrocarbon?
A
High boiling point and viscous
3
Q
What are the characteristics of a short-chain hydrocarbon?
A
Low boiling point, thin, and pale in colour
4
Q
What type of reaction is cracking?
A
Thermal decomposition
5
Q
What is thermal decomposition?
A
Breaking molecules down into simpler ones by heating them.
6
Q
What does cracking also produce?
A
Alkenes, which are used to make polymers
7
Q
What are the optimum conditions for cracking?
A
1) 600-700 degrees celcius
2) Silica or alumina catalyst
