Fractional Distillation Flashcards

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What is fractional distillation?

A way to separate a mixture into parts (fractions) by their different boiling points.

Why can crude oil be separated by fractional distillation?

Because the hydrocarbons in it have different boiling points.

What is a fraction in crude oil?

A mixture of hydrocarbons with similar boiling points and similar chain lengths.

What is the first step in fractional distillation of crude oil?

Heat the crude oil until it turns into a vapour.

How does temperature change inside a fractionating column?

It is hot at the bottom and cooler at the top.

Where do long-chain hydrocarbons condense in the column?

Lower down, because they have higher boiling points.

Where do short-chain hydrocarbons go in the column?

They rise higher and condense near the top, or leave as gases.

What happens when a hydrocarbon vapour cools below its boiling point in the column?

It condenses to a liquid at that level and is collected.

Is fractional distillation a chemical change?

No. It is a physical separation; no new substances are made.

Why do longer hydrocarbons have higher boiling points?

Their molecules attract each other more strongly, so more heat is needed to separate them.