Question 1: Explain in your own words how fractional distillation separates different components of crude oil.

Answer: Fractional distillation separates components based on their boiling points by heating crude oil and allowing vapours to condense at different levels in a fractionating column.

Question 1: What is the main principle that allows components of crude oil to be separated during fractional distillation?

Answer: Differences in boiling points of the components.

Question 2: Name two fuels obtained from crude oil that are used for energy generation.

Answer: Petrol and diesel.

Question 3: Describe the role of the fractionating column in the distillation process.

Answer: It provides a temperature gradient, allowing vapours to condense at different levels based on their boiling points.

Question 1: If a component of crude oil boils at 80°C and the surrounding temperature in the fractional column is 70°C at the bottom and 90°C at the top, where would this component most likely condense?

Answer: It would most likely condense at a level where the temperature is close to 80°C, probably in the middle of the column.

Question 2: A mixture of hydrocarbons has a boiling point range from 40°C to 150°C. If the ambient temperature in the distillation column is 100°C, what is the approximate percentage of hydrocarbons that will vaporise and be separated?

Answer: Approximately the hydrocarbons with boiling points below 100°C will vaporise; the exact percentage depends on the composition, but roughly 50% if evenly distributed.

Question 1: List three safety precautions that should be taken when performing fractional distillation in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wear safety goggles, work in a well-ventilated area, and handle hot equipment with care.

Question 2: Identify the key variables that can affect the efficiency of the fractional distillation process.

Answer: Temperature gradient, height of the fractionating column, and the rate of heating.

Question 1: A refinery reports that their fractional distillation tower successfully separates crude oil into various fractions. The lightest fraction, petrol, has a boiling range of 40°C to 200°C. Why is it important to carefully control the temperature in the tower during this process?

Answer: To ensure each fraction condenses at the correct level, preventing overlap and ensuring efficient separation of components.

Question 1: Explain how fractional distillation can be used to produce renewable fuels from biomass or algae sources. (6 marks)

Answer: Fractional distillation can be adapted to separate bio-oils or biofuels derived from biomass or algae by heating the mixture to vapourise the components based on their boiling points. The vapours are then condensed at different levels in a fractionating column, producing renewable fuels such as biodiesel or bioethanol. This process enables the conversion of biological materials into usable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting sustainable energy production.

Question 1: Discuss how fractional distillation technology can be integrated into renewable energy strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

Answer: Fractional distillation can be used to produce biofuels from renewable biological sources, which can replace fossil fuels in vehicles and power plants, thereby reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable energy systems.