Cracking

    Cards (17)

    • What are short-chain hydrocarbons known for?
      They are flammable and make good fuels.
    • Why are long-chain hydrocarbons not very useful?
      They form thick gloopy liquids like tar.
    • What is the process called that turns long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller ones?
      Cracking
    • What type of hydrocarbons are produced alongside alkanes during cracking?
      Alkenes
    • How are alkenes used in industry?
      As starting materials for making other compounds.
    • What type of reaction is cracking classified as?
      A thermal decomposition reaction
    • What is the first step in the cracking process?
      Heat long-chain hydrocarbons to vaporise them.
    • What happens to the vapour during cracking?
      It is passed over a hot powdered catalyst.
    • What is the catalyst used in catalytic cracking?
      Powdered aluminium oxide
    • What is the process called when hydrocarbons are mixed with steam and heated?
      Steam cracking
    • How do you balance chemical equations for cracking?
      Ensure equal carbon and hydrogen atoms on both sides.
    • What is the significance of balancing chemical equations in cracking?
      It ensures conservation of mass in reactions.
    • What is the formula for pentane?
      C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>12</sub>
    • What is the formula for ethene?
      C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub>
    • What is the other hydrocarbon produced when pentane is cracked into ethene?
      Butane (C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>10</sub>)
    • What are the methods of cracking hydrocarbons?
      • Catalytic cracking: uses a catalyst.
      • Steam cracking: mixes hydrocarbons with steam and heats.
    • What are the products of cracking and their uses?
      • Alkanes: used as fuels (e.g., petrol).
      • Alkenes: used as starting materials for other compounds and polymers.