Cracking hydrocarbons Flashcards
1
Q
Why do we crack hydrocarbons?
A
To make longer-chain hydrocarbons into shorter more useful hydrocarbons.
2
Q
What happens during thermal cracking?
A
- The hydrocarbons are heated until they vaporise.
- The vapour is passed over a hot catalyst.
- Thermal decomposition reaction takes place.
- Products include alkanes and alkenes.
3
Q
What does a long chain alkene turn into?
A
Short chain alkane + alkene.
4
Q
What happens to hydrocarbons during steam cracking?
A
Hydrocarbons are mixed with steam and heated to a high temperature.
5
Q
Why is there a high demand for fuels with small chains of carbon atoms?
A
Because they are easy to ignite and have low boiling points.
