Products From Oil

Question 1

What is cracking?

Answer 1

Large hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller molecules. These are usually alkenes

Question 2

How is cracking done?

Answer 2

By heating a mixture of hydrocarbon vapours and steam to high temperatures or by passing them over a catalyst

Question 3

What are alkenes?

Answer 3

Formula of C n H 2n
Unsaturated hydrocarbons
Double bond

Question 4

What are the conditions for cracking?

Answer 4

800 degrees

Catalyst

Question 5

What is polymerisation?

Answer 5

When monomers undergo polymerisation they join together to create a polymer (usually plastics)
Ethene will turn into polyethene

Question 6

How to draw a polymer

Answer 6

Open the double bond so the brackets are overlapped by the line, n on the outside

Question 7

Give some examples of smart polymers

Answer 7

Shape memory polymers change change with temperature (switching wounds)

Light sensitive polymers used for plasters

Question 8

Why are non-biodegradable plastics bad for the environment?

Answer 8

Can’t be broken down by micro organisms so cause harm to wildlife, are unsightly and takes up space in a landfill

Question 9

How can cornstarch make a biodegradable plastic?

Answer 9

Micro organisms break down the cornstarch and the plastic also breaks into tiny pieces that can be mixed with compost.

Question 10

What is ethanol and how is it made?

Answer 10

C2 H6 OH
It’s an alcohol
Can be produced by the fermentation of sugar from plants using yeast
Enzymes in the yeast cause the sugar to turn to ethanol and co2

Question 11

How can ethanol be made by hydration of ethene?

Answer 11

Ethene cracked from ethane

Reacted with steam at high temperatures over a catalyst to make ethanol