Question 1: Cracking is a chemical process used in the petroleum industry to break down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones, such as gasoline and diesel. This process helps meet the high demand for fuels and reduces the environmental impact of waste hydrocarbons.

Answer: Cracking is a process that breaks large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones to produce useful fuels and reduce waste hydrocarbons.

Question 2: Explain why cracking is important for reducing environmental pollution from crude oil waste.

Answer: Cracking helps convert large hydrocarbons into useful fuels, reducing waste and the burning of less efficient, polluting hydrocarbons.

Question 1: Define catalytic cracking and describe how it differs from thermal cracking.

Answer: Catalytic cracking uses a catalyst to speed up the process at lower temperatures, while thermal cracking relies on high heat without catalysts.

Question 2: What are the main environmental concerns associated with cracking and refining crude oil?

Answer: Environmental concerns include air pollution from emissions, greenhouse gases, and potential spills or leaks affecting ecosystems.

Question 1: If a large hydrocarbon molecule has a molecular weight of 150 g/mol and cracking produces smaller molecules with an average molecular weight of 50 g/mol, how many molecules are produced from 300 g of the large hydrocarbon? Show your calculations.

Answer: Number of molecules = (Mass of hydrocarbon) / (Molecular weight of one molecule). Therefore, 300 g / 150 g/mol = 2 moles of large molecules. Cracking produces molecules with a molecular weight of 50 g/mol, so each mole yields 3 molecules. Total molecules = 2 moles * (150 g / 50 g) = 2 * 3 = 6 molecules.

Question 1: Describe a basic safety precaution that must be taken when performing cracking in an industrial setting and explain why it is important.

Answer: Wearing protective gear such as gloves and goggles is essential to prevent burns or injuries from hot chemicals and gases.

Question 2: Identify one environmental regulation that industries must follow during cracking processes and explain its purpose.

Answer: Industries must control emissions under environmental regulations to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

Question 1: A refinery reports that after cracking, the emissions of sulfur compounds decreased by 25%, but carbon dioxide emissions increased by 15%. Discuss the environmental trade-offs involved in cracking.

Answer: Cracking reduces sulfur emissions, which helps prevent acid rain and air pollution, but increases carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to climate change. This highlights the need for cleaner technologies to balance pollution control with climate impact.

Question 1: Explain how cracking contributes to sustainable energy production and environmental protection. (6 marks)

Answer: Cracking allows more efficient conversion of large hydrocarbons into valuable fuels, reducing waste and the need for extensive extraction. It also enables the use of lighter, cleaner fuels that produce fewer pollutants, thus supporting environmental protection and sustainable energy use.

Question 1: How does cracking influence the availability and price of gasoline for consumers?

Answer: Cracking increases the production of gasoline from crude oil, making it more available and often cheaper for consumers.

Question 2: Describe one technological advancement in cracking that has improved environmental safety.

Answer: The development of catalytic cracking with environmentally friendly catalysts reduces harmful emissions during the process.