cracking Flashcards
1
Q
what is cracking?
A
splitting up long chain hydrocarbons
2
Q
what type of reaction is cracking?
A
Cracking is a thermal decomposition reaction. This means the molecules are broken down by heating them
2
Q
what does cracking also make?
A
Alkenes. They are more reactive then alkanes
3
Q
describe the process of steam cracking
A
Long chain hydrocarbons are heated
The hydrocarbon vapour is mixed with steam
They then are heated to a very high temperature which splits them into smaller molecules.
4
Q
describe catalytic cracking
A
Long chain hydrocarbons are heated to turn them into a gas
The vapour is passed over a hot aluminium oxide catalyst
The long chain molecules split apart
