3.6.1

Fractions

Test yourself

Crude Oil

Crude oil is a non-renewable (finite) resource.

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Fossilised plankton

  • Crude oil is made from the fossilised remnants of ancient plankton.
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Found in rocks

  • Crude oil is found in rocks and is used to produce fuels and other important chemicals.
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Mixture of compounds

  • Crude oil is a mixture of lots of different compounds that are not chemically combined.
  • Most of the compounds in crude oil are hydrocarbons.
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Most compounds are hydrocarbons

  • Hydrocarbons are molecules made up of only hydrogen and carbon atoms.
  • Hydrocarbons differ in their size, which can change the properties of the hydrocarbon.

Properties of Hydrocarbons

A hydrocarbon's size affects its properties. A hydrocarbon's properties can affect how useful it is as a fuel.

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Boiling point

  • Hydrocarbons with longer chains have higher boiling points.
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Viscosity

  • Hydrocarbons with longer chains have higher viscosity (i.e. they are thicker and flow less easily).
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Flammability

  • Hydrocarbons with longer chains are less flammable.
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Toxicity

  • Hydrocarbons are toxic to ingest and inhale, causing serious injury or death.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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