Crude oil and combustion

Question 1

What is crude oil

Answer 1

crude oil is made of a ton of hydrocarbons that all have different boiling points due to their different sizes
This means it can be separated through fractional distillation, where they are entered at the bottom of the column where it is hot at the bottom and cold at the top. The different hydrocarbon will condense at different temperatures therefore separating
As you go up the tower, the viscosity of the hydrocarbons will decrease
Fraction higher up ignite more easily

Question 2

Hydrogen as fuel

Answer 2

When hydrogen is burned in air energy and water are produced.
2H2+ O2 –> H2O
Can be used as fuel but not in combustion engines, used in hydrogen fuel cells

Question 3

Impact of the oil industry

Answer 3

Greenhouse gases released
Non renewable and demand is growing so higher prices
when it starts to run out decisions will have to be made over what is essential

Question 4

The fire triangle

Answer 4

For a fire to exist three conditions must be met
- heat ( spray with cold water)
- oxygen (cover with a fire blanket or foam)
- fuel (cutting down trees will create a fire break)

Question 5

Hydrogen fuel cells

Answer 5

These cells produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen
A- no greenhouse gases produced
No petrol or diesel required (non renewable resources)
D- lots of energy needed to make hydrogen (electrolysis of water)
- must be stored in pressurised cylinders which can be dangerous
- forms an explosive mixture with air