Crude Oil

Question 1

What are the properties of a mixture?

Answer 1

A mixture consists of two or more elements or compounds not chemically combined together. The chemical properties of each substance in the mixture are unchanged. It is possible to separate the substances in a mixture by physical methods including distillation.

Question 2

What is crude oil made up of?

Answer 2

Crude oil is a mixture of a very large number of compounds.

Question 3

What are hydrocarbons?

Answer 3

Most of the compounds in crude oil consist of molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms only (hydrocarbons).

Question 4

What is the general formula for alkanes?

Answer 4

CnH2n+2

Question 5

Draw the displayed formula for the following molecule.

C₂H₈

Answer 5

Question 6

What is the name for the name for the —- in a displayed formula?

Answer 6

A covalent bond

Question 7

What is fractional distillation and how does it work?

Answer 7

Fractional distillation uses the difference in the fractions boiling and condencing points in order to separate the fractions out.

Question 8

What are the basic trends that link the different molecule chain lenghts to their properties?

Answer 8

The shorter the molecule…

• The more volatile they are (the easier they turn into a gas)
• The less viscous they are
• The more flamable they are

Question 9

What is the formula for the combustion of hydrocarbons?

Answer 9

hydrocarbon + oxygen –> carbon dioxide + water vapour

Question 10

Explain how the burning of hydrocarbons can cause acid rain, global marming and global dimming.

Answer 10

Most fuels, including coal, contain carbon and / or hydrogen and may also contain some sulfur. The gases released into the atmosphere when a fuel burns may include carbon dioxide, water (vapour), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Solid particles (particulates) may also be released. When the sulfur dioxide mixes with the clouds it causes dilute sulfuric acid. the same thing can happen with oxides of nitrogen. Global dimming is the build up of the particulites. Carbon dioxide causes global warming.

Question 11

What is a biofuel?

Answer 11

Biofuels, including biodiesel and ethanol, are
produced from plant material. There are economic,
ethical and environmental issues surrounding
their use.