Fuels & Hydrocarbons
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.3.3
Fuels and Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons contain only hydrogen and carbon atoms and form the basis of many fuels used today.
What are hydrocarbons?
- Hydrocarbons are organic compounds with hydrogen and carbon only.
- Hydrocarbons can be gases, liquids, or solids.
- Hydrocarbons are the main components of fossil fuels.
Types of hydrocarbons
- Hydrocarbons can be alkanes, alkenes, or alkynes.
- Alkanes have single bonds only (for example, methane).
- Alkenes have at least one double bond (for example, ethene).
- Alkynes have at least one triple bond (for example, ethyne).
Hydrocarbons and fuels
- Many fuels like petrol and diesel are mixtures of hydrocarbons.
- Hydrocarbons burn in oxygen to produce energy.
- The energy from hydrocarbons powers cars, planes, and homes.
Sources of hydrocarbons
- Crude oil is a natural source of hydrocarbons.
- Natural gas contains mostly methane, a hydrocarbon.
- Coal, which is mainly made up of carbon, also contains hydrocarbons in small amounts.
- Refining crude oil separates hydrocarbons by boiling point.
Importance of hydrocarbons in chemistry
- Hydrocarbons show how carbon forms long chains.
- Hydrocarbons provide raw materials for plastics and chemicals.
- Understanding hydrocarbons helps us study organic chemistry.
Test yourself on Fuels & Hydrocarbons
Which of the following is a major natural source of hydrocarbons?