C6.2.5

Question 1

What is crude oil?

Answer 1

A complex mixture of hydrocarbons formed from the dead remains of organisms othat live over millions of years ago

Question 2

What does crude oil mostly consist of?

Answer 2

Alkanes

Question 3

What is used to separate hydrocarbons?

Answer 3

Fractional distillation is used. This works because different alkanes have different boiling points.

Question 4

What happens as the number of carbon atoms increase in an alkane molecule?

Answer 4

• The larger the molecule
• The stronger the intermolecular forces
• The higher the boiling point

Question 5

What are fractions?

Answer 5

Substance separated during fractional distillation

Question 6

Describe fractional distillation:

Answer 6

1. Crude oil is heated
2. Vapours enter the bottom of the column
3. Column has a temperature gradient
4. Vapours rise
5. Vapours cool as they rise
6. Vapours condense when they reach their boiling point

• Liquids fed out of the column
• Gases exit from the top
• Bitumen exits from the bottom