Cracking

• What is the process of cracking in crude oil extraction?

  It splits crude oil into smaller molecules
• Why is cracking important in crude oil processing?

  It provides enough fuel for cars and planes
• What is the process of splitting long-chain hydrocarbons called?

  • Cracking
  • It breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones
• What type of molecules does cracking produce from long-chain hydrocarbons?

  Smaller, more useful molecules
• What happens to long-chain hydrocarbons during cracking?

  They are split into smaller, useful hydrocarbons
• How does cracking affect the demand for products like petrol and diesel?

  It increases the production of these fuels
• What is a catalyst in the context of cracking?

  A substance that speeds up the reaction
• What is the role of heat in the cracking process?

  It helps break down the long-chain hydrocarbons
• What temperature range is typically used for cracking?

  400°C to 700°C
• What is the significance of aluminum oxide in cracking?

  It acts as a catalyst in the process
• How does cracking contribute to the production of plastics?

  It produces smaller hydrocarbons used for plastics
• What is the result of cracking long-chain hydrocarbons?

  It produces smaller, useful hydrocarbons
• What is the effect of cracking on the environment?

  It can lead to increased emissions from fuels
• How can you demonstrate the cracking process in a lab setting?

  By using a catalyst and heating hydrocarbons
• What happens to the molecular structure of hydrocarbons during cracking?

  They are broken down into smaller chains
• What is the primary purpose of cracking in the oil industry?

  To produce fuels and useful chemicals
• What are the main products of cracking long-chain hydrocarbons?

  • Smaller hydrocarbons
  • Fuels like petrol and diesel
  • Chemicals for plastics
• What is the relationship between cracking and the production of diesel?

  Cracking increases diesel production
• How does cracking impact the availability of fuels?

  It enhances the availability of various fuels
• What is the significance of breaking strong covalent bonds during cracking?

  It requires a lot of energy to break them
• What is the effect of cracking on the molecular weight of hydrocarbons?

  It decreases the molecular weight
• What is the role of heat in breaking covalent bonds during cracking?

  Heat provides energy to break the bonds
• How does the cracking process relate to the production of energy?

  It requires significant energy input to crack
• What is the final product of cracking long-chain hydrocarbons?

  Smaller hydrocarbons and fuels
• What happens to the long-chain hydrocarbons when heated?

  They break down into smaller hydrocarbons
• How can you use the apparatus shown to crack alkanes in a lab?

  By heating alkanes with a catalyst
• What is the significance of the reaction conditions in cracking?

  They determine the efficiency of the process
• What is the main catalyst used in the cracking process?

  Aluminum oxide
• What is the effect of cracking on the types of hydrocarbons produced?

  It produces a variety of smaller hydrocarbons
• How does cracking relate to the overall efficiency of fuel production?

  It enhances the efficiency of fuel production
• What is the chemical formula for hexane?

  C₆H₁₄
• What is the chemical formula for butane?

  C₄H₁₀
• What is the process of cracking in the lab?

  • Heating alkanes until vaporized
  • Contact with a catalyst
  • Produces a mixture of short-chain alkanes and alkenes
• What happens to alkanes during the cracking process?

  They are heated until vaporized
• What is produced when alkanes are cracked?

  A mixture of short-chain alkanes and alkenes
• How does cracking help match supply and demand?

  • Produces more useful short-chain hydrocarbons
  • Meets higher demand for gasoline and diesel
  • Adjusts supply based on crude oil fractions
• What might an examiner provide to show supply and demand for various fractions?

  A table of fractions obtained from crude oil
• Which fraction is more likely to be cracked to provide useful products?

  The kerosene fraction
• Why is the demand for petrol and diesel greater than for crude oil?

  Because they are more useful for energy
• What are the approximate fractions and demands for various hydrocarbons?

  • Gas: 2% | Demand: 4%
  • Petrol: 16% | Demand: 27%
  • Kerosene: 13% | Demand: 8%
  • Diesel: 19% | Demand: 23%
  • Fuel oil and bitumen: 50% | Demand: 38%