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Fuels and Earth Science

Properties of the fractions and homologous series

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

How molecule size changes down the column and affects boiling point, ease of ignition and viscosity, why petrol suits car engines, and homologous series, the CH₂ difference, the alkane general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ and trends along a series.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Describe how the size of hydrocarbon molecules changes down a fractionating column.

Key term

Explain why larger hydrocarbon molecules have higher boiling points.

Key term

Describe how the ease of ignition of hydrocarbons changes as their molecules get larger.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Describe how the size of hydrocarbon molecules changes down a fractionating column.

    Model answer

    Molecules collected lower down contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms than those collected higher up.

  2. 2

    Explain why larger hydrocarbon molecules have higher boiling points.

    Model answer

    Larger molecules have stronger forces of attraction between them, so more energy is needed to separate them.

  3. 3

    Describe how the ease of ignition of hydrocarbons changes as their molecules get larger.

    Model answer

    Larger hydrocarbon molecules become harder to ignite.

  4. 4

    What is meant by the viscosity of a liquid?

    Model answer

    Viscosity is a measure of how easily a liquid flows, and a very viscous liquid flows only slowly.

  5. 5

    Describe how the viscosity of crude oil fractions changes as the molecules get larger.

    Model answer

    Viscosity increases, so fractions made of larger molecules are thicker and flow less easily.

  6. 6

    Explain why bitumen is far more viscous than petrol.

    Model answer

    Bitumen molecules are much larger, so the forces of attraction between them are much stronger.

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