Crude Oil

Question 1

what is crude oil?

Answer 1

Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons (carbon and hydrogen)

Question 2

how does fractional distillation work?

Answer 2

1. The different hydrocarbons that are not chemically bonded have different properties such as condensing points
2. As the mixture is heated the bottom becomes hot but the top stays cool
3. The longer molecules leave the column last as they have higher boiling points
4. The smaller molecules rise first when heated as they evaporate
5. Finally when they cool the turn back to liquid and filter out in their designated column

Question 3

what is crude oil mainly made out of?

Answer 3

Alkanes (chains of hydrocarbons)

Question 4

what is the formula for Alkanes?

Answer 4

Alkanes = CnH2n+2

Question 5

what are the properties of shorter hydrocarbons?

Answer 5

Less viscous, more volatile, flammable and low melting and boiling points

Question 6

why is crude oil a good source of fuel?

Answer 6

They burn cleaner, is longer lasting compared to fossil fuels, more reliable, and easier to source

Question 7

what environmental problems does crude oil cause?

Answer 7

1. Global warming, acid rain and global dimming

2. Oil spills poison birds and sealife

Question 8

what are the three possible alternate fuels?

Answer 8

Ethanol, Biodiesel and Hydrogen gas

Question 9

what is ethanol and what are the advantages and disadvantages of it?

Answer 9

Ethanol is produced from plant material and is known as a biofuel. It is made by fermentation of plants and is use to power cars in some places, it is often mixed with petrol to make a better fuel. It is good as it is carbon neutral and only produces water however it takes up farm, engines need to be converted and it isn’t widely available

Question 10

what is biodiesel and what are the advantages and disadvantages of it?

Answer 10

Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil and soybean oil which can be mixed with ordinary diesel fuel and used to run a diesel engine. It is good as it is carbon neutral, engines don’t need to be converted, it produces less sulphur dioxide and particulates. However it is expensive to make, difficult to make enough and could increase food prices

Question 11

what is hydrogen gas and what are the advantages and disadvantages of it?

Answer 11

Hydrogen gas can also be used to power vehicles. You get hydrogen gas from electrolysis of water and it can come from a renewable source.It is a very clean gas but a special engine is needed, it isn’t widely available and is hard to store