Crude Oil & Fractional Distillation — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Crude Oil & Fractional Distillation for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to HydrocarbonsWhat is Crude Oil & Fractional Distillation?
Crude oil is a finite resource and a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. It is separated into simpler, more useful mixtures called fractions by a process called fractional distillation. This process works because the different hydrocarbons in crude oil have different boiling points.
Board notes: Fractional distillation of crude oil is a key topic in organic chemistry for all boards. You need to know the process, the names and uses of the main fractions, and the trends in properties down the fractionating column.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
In the fractionating column, crude oil is heated and vaporised. The vapour rises and cools. Fractions with high boiling points (like bitumen) condense at the bottom, while fractions with low boiling points (like petrol) continue to rise to the top before condensing.
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Common mistakes
- 1Forgetting the properties of the fractions. As the hydrocarbon chains get longer, the boiling point, viscosity, and flammability change in predictable ways.
- 2Confusing the order of the fractions in the fractionating column. Shorter-chain hydrocarbons with lower boiling points rise to the top, while longer-chain hydrocarbons with higher boiling points remain at the bottom.
- 3Thinking that crude oil is a single compound. It is a mixture of many different hydrocarbons.
Crude Oil & Fractional Distillation exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Crude Oil & Fractional Distillation
Core concept
Crude oil is a finite resource and a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. It is separated into simpler, more useful mixtures called fractions by a process called fractional distillation. This process work…
Frequently asked questions
What are the main fractions from crude oil?
The main fractions include refinery gases, gasoline (petrol), kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, and bitumen. Each has important uses, from fuel for cars to road surfacing.
What is a hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon is a compound containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms.