C1.4 Crude Oil and Fuels

Question 1

Crude Oil is a mixture of

Answer 1

Many different compounds. Most of which are hydrocarbon molecules

Question 2

A mixture consists of

Answer 2

Two or more elements/compounds which aren’t chemically bonded to each other

Question 3

What are Hydrocarbons?

Answer 3

Fuels, made up of hydrogen and carbon

Question 4

The properties of a mixture are a

Answer 4

mixture of properties from the individual parts

Question 5

Mixtures can be separated by physical methods such as

Answer 5

Fractional Distillation

Question 6

Fractional Distillation occurs in a

Answer 6

Fractionating column

Question 7

Stage 1 of fractional distillation

Answer 7

Heated crude oil is piped into the bottom of the column

Question 8

Stage 2 of fractional distillation

Answer 8

The oil is evaporated and rises up the column, the different hydrocarbons stopping at different temperature points

Question 9

Stage 3 of fractional distillation

Answer 9

Different Hydrocarbons stop at different fractions due to their different condensing points. The different hydrocarbons stop at different temperatures where they condense

Question 10

What is the name of saturated hydrocarbons?

Answer 10

Alkanes

Question 11

What is the general formula of alkanes?

Answer 11

CnH2n + 2

Question 12

Examples of Alkanes

Answer 12

Methane CH4, Ethane C2H6 and propane C3H8

Question 13

How can hydrocarbons be represented?

Answer 13

In the form C2H6

Question 14

Hydrocarbons in crude oil are separated into

Answer 14

Fractions, each containing molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms

Question 15

Alkanes are made up of

Answer 15

Chains of carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen atoms

Question 16

The shorter the hydrocarbon molecule the less..

Answer 16

Viscous (gloopy) it is

Question 17

The shorter the hydrocarbon molecule the more..

Answer 17

Volatile they are (turn into gas at lower temperature therefore the shorter the molecule the higher it condenses in a fractional distillation column)

Question 18

The shorter the hydrocarbon molecule the more

Answer 18

Flammable the hydrocarbon is

Question 19

Most fuels contain

Answer 19

Carbon, Hydrogen and some Sulfur

Question 20

When burned, fuels release

Answer 20

Carbon dioxide, water (vapour), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

Question 21

When are oxides of nitrogen formed?

Answer 21

At high temperatures

Question 22

What else may be released from combustion of fuels?

Answer 22

Solid particles, e.g. soot

Question 23

During combustion of hydrocarbons

Answer 23

Energy is released and the carbon and hydrogen is oxidised

Question 24

What causes acid rain?

Answer 24

Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

Question 25

What causes global warming?

Answer 25

Carbon Dioxide

Question 26

What causes Global Dimming?

Answer 26

Solid particles, they reflect the sunlight back into space or produce more clouds which reflect the sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of sunlight on earth

Question 27

Why will oil run out one day?

Answer 27

It is a non-renewable fuel

Question 28

What happens when there is not enough oxygen?

Answer 28

Partial combustion, this releases solid particles, unburnt fuel and carbon monoxide

Question 29

What can acid rain cause?

Answer 29

Lakes to become acidic, animals and plants to die, kill trees, damage buildings and statues

Question 30

How can acid rain be reduced?

Answer 30

Removing sulfur before it is burnt, however this is expensive

Question 31

What is released when carbon and hydrogen are oxidised?

Answer 31

Carbon Dioxide and water vapour

Question 32

What are the two alternate Biofuels which can be used?

Answer 32

Ethanol and Biodiesel

Question 33

How is Ethanol made?

Answer 33

Fermentation of plants

Question 34

Advantages of Ethanol

Answer 34

It is carbon neutral as the CO2 released when it is burnt is the same as the amount taken in by the plant as it grew

Question 35

Disadvantages of Ethanol

Answer 35

Engines need to be converted to work with ethanol fuels. It is not widely available. There are worries that farmers will stop producing food in favour of producing ethanol, increasing food prices as a result

Question 36

How is Biodiesel produced?

Answer 36

From vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil and soybean oil

Question 37

Advantages of Biodiesel

Answer 37

Carbon neutral. Engines don't need to be converted. Produces less sulfur dioxide and particulates than any other diesel or petrol

Question 38

Disadvantages of Biodiesel

Answer 38

We can't produce enough. It's expensive. Could increase food prices like Ethanol

Question 39

What else can be used to power vehicles?

Answer 39

Hydrogen gas

Question 40

Advantages of Hydrogen Gas

Answer 40

Hydrogen combines with oxygen to just form water, so its very clean

Question 41

Disadvantages of Hydrogen Gas

Answer 41

You need a special engine. Hydrogen isn't widely available. Hydrogen is hard to store. Energy from other sources is still required