Fractional Distillation

Question 1

What are the fractions in fractional distillation

Answer 1

Fractions contain hydrocarbons with a similar number of CARBON atoms

Question 2

Describe the process of fractional distillation

Answer 2

1) crude oil heated to a HIGH TEMPERATURE
2) The hydrocarbons EVAPORATE and it becomes a GAS
3) The vapour is fed into the column - hotter at the bottom cooler at the top
4) the vapours rise up the column and condense when they reach their BOILING POINT
5) they turn into a LIQUID and the liquid fractions are removed
6) the rest move up the colum and condense

Question 3

Which hydrocarbons are removed at the bottom of the column

Answer 3

LONG chain hydrocarbons with HIGH BOILING POINT

Question 4

Which hydrocarbons are removed at the top of the column

Answer 4

SHORT chain hydrocarbons with a LOW BOILING POINT

Question 5

How are the fractions decided

Answer 5

They contain hydrocarbons with a similar number of CARBON ATOMS
similar BOILING POINT

Question 6

Uses of fractions from fractional distillation

Answer 6

FUELS
Kerosene - airplane
Petrol & diesel cars
FEEDSTOCK - in the petrochemical industry