Cracking

Question 1

Describe cracking

Answer 1

Thermal decomposition reaction

Where a long chain alkane is broken down to produce smaller, more useful molecules

Question 2

Describe catalytic cracking

Answer 2

use high temperature and a catalyst

Question 3

Describe steam cracking

Answer 3

Use high temperature and steam

Question 4

Describe process of catalytic cracking

Answer 4

• heat long chain hydrocarbons and vaporise them
• use hot powdered aluminium oxide as catalyst
• pass vapour over powder
• as hydrocarbons come into contact with catalyst they split apart into two smaller hydrocarbons

Question 5

Describe process of steam cracking

Answer 5

• heat and vaporise long chain hydrocarbons
• mix with steam and heat them at very high temperature
• cause hydrocarbon chains to split apart into shorter ones

Question 6

Describe an alkane

Answer 6

Saturated