Crude oil and hydrocarbons

Question 1

What are crude oils

Answer 1

Crude oil is a raw natural resource formed of hydrocarbons. It is an important source of fuels such as petrol diesel and kerosene and feedstock for the petrochemical industry.

Question 2

Why is it problematic to rely on crude oils

Answer 2

Crude oils are fossil fuels that were made millions of years ago. It is non-renewable and will therefore run out one day

Question 3

Naming Alkanes

Answer 3

Alkanes and alkenes are named according to the number of carbon atoms in them. For example, 2 carbons are Ethane.

Question 4

How are alkenes formed

Answer 4

Alkenes are formed when we crack large alkanes

Question 5

Properties of alkenes

Answer 5

They burn like alkanes, but it is harder for them to undergo combustion
Alkenes are used as polymers (Plastics) so we don’t normally use them as fuels

Question 6

Hydrocarbon molecules

Answer 6

All hydrocarbon molecules have weak forces of attraction between molecules (intermolecular forces)

Question 7

Properties of shorter hydrocarbon molecules

Answer 7

Low boiling points
Highly volatile
Extremely flammable
Less viscous (runny)

Question 8

Properties of longer hydrocarbon molecules

Answer 8

Higher boiling points
Less volatile
Less flammable
More viscous (runny)

Question 9

What is a fuel

Answer 9

Substances that release energy when burned