key terms

• crude oil

  • a mixture of hydrocarbons formed over millions of years from dead plankton subjected to pressure
• hydrocarbon

  • a molecule containing hydrogen and carbon atoms only
• alkane

  • a hydrocarbon containing only single bonds
  • follows the formula CnH2n+2
• fractional distillation

  • the method of separating hydrocarbons based on their boiling point
• intermolecular forces

  • weak forces of attraction that exist between molecules
• boiling point

  • the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas
• viscosity

  • the ability of a substance to flow
• flammability

  • the ability for a substance to burn or ignite
• combustion

  • a reaction between a fuel and oxygen that produces heat
• complete combustion

  • combustion in adequate oxygen
  • complete combustion of a hydrocarbon will produce CO2 and water
• incomplete combustion

  • combustion in inadequate oxygen.
  • incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon produces water and carbon monoxide or carbon particulates
• alkene

  • a hydrocarbon containing atleast one double bond
  • if they contain one double bond only they follow the fomula CnH2n
  • used to make polymers
• bromine water

  • a chemical that is brown/orange in colour
  • if added to an alkene, it reacts and changes to colourless
  • alkanes do not produce a change in colour
• cracking

  • the process by which less-useful long chain hydrocarbons are split to produce an alkane and an alkene
• catalyst

  • a chemical that speeds up the rate of reaction without being used itself
• covalent bond

  • a strong bond that exits between non-metal atoms
• fraction

  • a fraction contains similar length hydrocarbons with a small range of boiling points