Crude Oil Extraction

Question 1

what is crude oil

Answer 1

mixture of alkanes

Question 2

what are alkanes

Answer 2

saturated hydrocarbons

Question 3

how is crude oil separated into different alkanes

Answer 3

Fractional distillation where vaporised crude is added to the bottom at highest temperature

high boiling point hydrocarbons will condense at the lowest part of the fractional distillation column

other groups rise and condense in different fractions because there is a temperature gradient along the column

all hydrocarbons get separated into groups with similar boiling points (Fractions)

Question 4

What is important to remember about fractions

Answer 4

they are chemicals with similar not the same boiling point

Question 5

Which have a higher boiling point small or big hydrocarbons

Answer 5

big because stronger intermolecular forces for energy overcome

Question 6

which are more flammable small hydrocarbons or big

Answer 6

small because weaker inter-molecular forces

Question 7

which produces a cleaner flame small or big hydrocarbons

Answer 7

small is cleaner because big has unburnt carbon parts in it