Oil and cracking

• What is crude oil primarily composed of?

  A mixture of hydrocarbons
• How is crude oil formed?

  From the remains of ancient marine organisms
• What is a hydrocarbon?

  A compound containing hydrogen and carbon only
• What is the purpose of fractional distillation?

  To separate a mixture into different fractions
• What is a fraction in the context of crude oil?

  A mixture of chemicals with similar boiling points
• What happens to substances with high boiling points in fractional distillation?

  They condense at the bottom of the column
• How does the temperature vary in a fractionating column?

  Hot at the bottom and cool at the top
• What is the process called when a liquid changes to gas?

  Evaporation
• What is a molecule?

  A collection of two or more atoms
• What is an atom?

  The basic unit of a chemical element
• What is the boiling point of the chemicals in the petroleum gases fraction?

  Below 25°C
• What are the trends in properties of hydrocarbons as you go up the fractionating column?

  • Smaller chain lengths
  • Lower boiling points
  • More volatility
  • Higher flammability
  • Lighter color
• What is a fossil fuel?

  A natural fuel from ancient organisms
• What is natural gas primarily composed of?

  Methane
• How is coal formed?

  From the remains of ancient forests
• What does burning coal produce that contributes to acid rain?

  Sulfur dioxide
• How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?

  By producing carbon dioxide when burned
• What are the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels?

  • Contributes to global warming
  • Produces sulfur dioxide causing acid rain
  • Releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• The fractional column

  
• How does the fractional column work?

  • Heating – The mixture is heated; lower boiling point substances evaporate first.
  • Rising Vapors – Vapors rise through the column, cooling as they go up.
  • Trays/Packing – Provide surface area for condensation; heavier fractions condense lower, lighter ones rise.
  • Condensation – Vapors condense at different heights based on boiling points, forming separate fractions.
  • Collection – Condensed liquids are collected at various outlets; highest boiling residue stays at the bottom.
• What is the primary source of fuels and plastics?

  Crude oil
• How can crude oil be separated into different fractions?

  Using fractional distillation
• What is the significance of crude oil to the global economy?

  • Vital for modern society
  • Influences global economy
  • Countries producing oil hold political power
  • Control over oil supply affects economies
• How do oil companies influence the price of crude oil?

  They control the price of crude oil
• What can happen to poorer countries that rely on oil production?

  They can lose control of their economy
• What impact can a political crisis in an oil-producing country have?

  It can restrict crude oil supplies
• What are the environmental issues associated with burning fossil fuels?

  • Releases carbon dioxide
  • Contributes to global warming
  • Causes oil spillages harming wildlife
  • Requires extensive cleanup efforts
• What is a major consequence of oil spillages?

  They kill thousands of animals
• What do oil refineries and oil-fired power stations destroy?

  Wildlife habitats and countryside
• How does the environmental impact of the oil industry compare to other industries?

  It is similar to other industrial sites
• What are the key points regarding the global importance of crude oil?

  • Source of fuels and plastics
  • Separated by fractional distillation
  • Economic influence by oil companies
  • Political power of oil-producing countries
  • Environmental issues from fossil fuel use
• What is the primary source of fuels and plastics?

  Oil
• How can crude oil be separated into different fractions?

  Using fractional distillation
• What is crude oil composed of?

  • Mixture of hydrocarbons
  • Mainly alkanes
  • Formed from ancient marine organisms
• Why is cracking necessary for crude oil?

  To meet the demand for smaller hydrocarbons
• What does cracking do to large hydrocarbon molecules?

  Breaks them down into smaller molecules
• What are fractions in fractional distillation?

  • Different parts of the original mixture
  • Have similar boiling points
• What temperature range is used to heat large hydrocarbon molecules for cracking?

  600-700°C
• What is a catalyst in the context of cracking?

  A substance that speeds up reactions
• What types of hydrocarbons are produced from cracking?

  Smaller alkanes and alkenes