fractional distillation, petrochemicals and properties of hydrocarbons

Question 1

What is fractional distillation and how does it work?

Answer 1

fractional distillation separates hydrocarbons using their different boiling points (due to their different sizes)

factional distillation is used to separate crude oil into groups of hydrocarbons with similar numbers of carbon atoms ( lengths )

the crude oil is heated until it evaporates to vapour

and the crude oil is then put into the bottom of a fractionating column and it rises upwards

Question 2

What do hydrocarbons become after being processed?

Answer 2

the fractions of crude oil are collected and processed to create end products such as fuels (e.g. petrol, diesel and feed stock)

Question 3

What are some examples of useful materials produced by the petrochemical industry?

Answer 3

solvents, lubricants, polymers and detergents.

Question 4

Describe the boiling point, the viscosity and the flammability of a very large alkane molecule.

Answer 4

High boiling point, high viscosity, low flammability