fuels and health science Flashcards
what is a hydrocarbon?
a compound that only contains carbon and hydrogen
what is the description of crude oil?
- finite
- mixture of hydrocarbons
- used in useful substances
- molecules of carbon are in chains and rings
what process do you separate crude oil using?
fractional distillation
what are the different outcomes of fractionally distilling crude oil and what are their uses?
- gases: cooking
- petrol: fuel for cars
- kerosene: fuels for aircrafts
- diesel oil: fuel for cars and trains
- fuel oil: fuel for large ships and power stations
- bitumen: surface roads and roofs
what are the properties of shorter molecules?
- less viscous, more runny
- lower boiling point
- more flammable
what is the homologous series?
a series of compounds which have the same general formula, similar chemical properties
what type of reaction is the complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels and what is produced?
exothermic reaction as energy is given out, CO2 and H2O are produced
why is carbon monoxide toxic?
it is a colourless gas and when breathed in, it prevents re blood cells from carrying oxygen around the body which leads to death
what are the problems with carbon monoxide and soot?
carbon monoxide: health problems
soot: global dimming
what are 3 problems with acid rain?
- damages buildings and status (made of limestone)
- kill trees and crops
- lower pH in the water which kills fish
what are nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide?
pollutants
what are the advantages and disadvantages with using hydrogen instead of petrol and fuel in cars?
advantages:
- only product is water
- quieter than petrol/diesel cars
- less maintenance required
disadvantages:
- expensive
- hard to store hydrogen
- dangerous as it can explode
what are petrol, kerosene and diesel oils?
non renewable fossil fuels which are obtained from crude oil
what is the general formula for alkenes?
CnH2n
what does it mean if a bond is saturated?
it has a single bond
