Topic 6 - Cracking Flashcards
1
Q
what are the properties of long hydrocarbons?
A
high boiling points and viscous
2
Q
what are the properties of short hydrocarbons?
A
lower boiling points and thinner
3
Q
what is cracking?
A
a form of thermal decomposition - breaking down long hydrocarbons into shorter ones
4
Q
why do we need cracking?
A
demand for short-chain hydrocarbons is higher than long-chain hydrocarbons
5
Q
what conditions do you need for cracking?
A
heat and a catalyst
6
Q
what happens during cracking?
A
the alkane is heated until it is vapourised. it then breaks down when it comes into contact with the catalyst.
