Fuels Flashcards
What do crude oil and natural gas consist of?
Crude oil and natural gas mainly consist of compounds called hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons contain what elements?
Hydrocarbons contain the elements carbon and hydrogen
What is crude oil a mixture of?
Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons
What is fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation is used to separate crude oil into fractions
What is a fraction?
A fraction is a group of hydrocarbons all with boiling points within a specific range
What do fractions have?
Fractions have names and specific uses
How do fractions differ?
Fractions differ in their boiling points, viscosity and flammability
Describe the properties of fractions
The properties of fractions can be related to the size of the molecules in the fraction
What are 2 pollution problems associated with burning fossil fuels?
Global warming
Acid rain
What contributes to global warming?
Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
What causes acid rain?
Acid rain is caused when gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide dissolve in water in the atmosphere
What are some effects of acid rain?
Acid rain; kills fish in rivers, erodes buildings and destroys plant life
How is sulphur dioxide produced?
Sulphur dioxide is produced when some fossil fuels are burned
How is nitrogen dioxide made?
Nitrogen dioxide is made by sparking of air in a petrol car engine
