Properties of Hydrocarbons
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 7.1.2
Properties of Hydrocarbons
A hydrocarbon's size affects its properties. A hydrocarbon's properties affect how useful it is as a fuel. The most important properties are:
Boiling point
- Hydrocarbons with longer chains have higher boiling points.
Viscosity
- Hydrocarbons with longer chains have higher viscosity (i.e. they are thicker and flow less easily).
Flammability
- Hydrocarbons with longer chains are less flammable.
Test yourself on Properties of Hydrocarbons
Which property of a hydrocarbon decreases as its carbon chain length increases?
Hydrocarbons with longer chains of atoms have...
A fuel needs to ignite quickly as soon as it is lit. Why would a short-chain hydrocarbon be a better choice than a long-chain hydrocarbon for this fuel?
A liquid fuel needs to stay liquid even when stored at a fairly high temperature. Why would a long-chain hydrocarbon be more suitable than a short-chain hydrocarbon for this fuel?
A fuel designed to ignite quickly, flow easily through narrow pipes and turn to gas when gently heated should be made from a hydrocarbon with