The Chemistry of Crude Oil Trivia Quiz

Answer: Fractional Distillation

Fractional distillation takes place in the fractionating column. The crude oil enters the chamber and, due to differing boiling points, the hydrocarbons are separated into different groups such as naphtha and bitumen.

Hydrocarbons are compounds that contain ONLY hydrogen and carbon atoms within their structure.

Answer: Kerosene

Kerosene has a boiling point between the temperatures of 150 and 250 degrees on the Celsius scale.

Oil of vitriol is the former name of sulfuric acid.

Answer: Cracking

Cracking makes large hydrocarbon chains far easier to use industrially. A common example is the process of cracking hexane (C6H14) into butane (C4H10) and ethene (C2H4).

Answer: Polythene

This can also be written as Poly(ethene) and is commonly used in the production of plastic bags. It is a thermoplastic which means its chemical structure can be manipulated when exposed to high temperatures.

Answer: Addition polymerization

Addition polymerization is where smaller monomers react with each other to create longer chains called polymers. A prime example of an addition reaction is that of the monomer chloroethene (CH2CHCl). If many chloroethene monomers react with each other then poly(chloroethene) is formed - n(CH2CHCl). This is also known as PVC and is used in products such as plastic water pipes.

An homologous series is the name given to groups of molecules that share chemical similarities. Examples being alkanes, alkenes and carboxylic acids.

Answer: Acid Rain

Acid rain is a serious problem for numerous reasons. Firstly, it can catalyse the erosion of rocks and more seriously statues and forests. Secondly, it can make lakes and other stores of water more acidic which can adversely affect the microclimates and habitats of the region.

Answer: Steam

Ethene and steam (H2O) react to form ethanol. Ethanol is a member of a chemical family called the alcohols. These are identified by the presence of (OH) within the formula. Ethanol is shown by the formula (C2H5OH) and can be used in beers, wines and also various types of fuels.

Answer: Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid has the chemical formula H3PO4. A catalyst is a substance which accelerates the rate of a reaction without reacting itself.

Answer: Bromine Water

Bromine with water (alternatively bromine with trichloroethane) forms an orange solution. It can also be described as a yellow to brown colour. When bromine water is added to an alkane there is no reaction, hence, no colour change. When bromine water is added to an alkene, a dibromo-alkane compound is formed and the colour of the solution changes from the original orange (yellow/brown) to a state of colourlessness.

Answer: Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an extremely poisonous gas and can be fatal. Carbon monoxide can attach to molecules of haemoglobin, situated in red blood cells. The bond between the carbon monoxide and haemoglobin, which forms carboxyhaemoglobin, is a far stronger bond than that of oxygen and haemoglobin (oxyhaemoglobin). The presence of carbon monoxide in the haemoglobin pigment reduces the capacity of the red blood cell to carry oxygen around the body. The oxygen cannot be transported quick enough to suffice the needs of, amongst other processes, the mitochondria to respire. Eventually oxygen transportation will not be efficient enough for the body to function properly and fatalities can arise.

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