Question 1: Define fractional distillation and explain its main purpose in crude oil processing.

Answer: Fractional distillation is a process that separates mixtures based on differences in boiling points. Its main purpose in crude oil processing is to separate the complex mixture into useful components like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.

Question 2: Describe the main mechanism by which fractional distillation separates different hydrocarbons in crude oil.

Answer: Fractional distillation separates hydrocarbons based on their boiling points; components with lower boiling points vaporize first and are collected at the top, while higher boiling point components condense lower down.

Question 3: What is the purpose of a fractionating column in the distillation process?

Answer: The fractionating column provides a temperature gradient, allowing different hydrocarbons to vaporize and condense at different levels based on their boiling points.

Question 4: List three safety precautions that should be taken during fractional distillation.

Answer: Ensure proper ventilation, avoid open flames near flammable vapors, and wear protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles.

Question 5: Which of the following components has the lowest boiling point? a) Gasoline, b) Kerosene, c) Methane, d) Diesel

Answer: Methane

Question 6: Fill in the blank: Hydrocarbons with ______ boiling points condense lower in the fractionating column, typically near the top.

Answer: lower

Question 7: Explain why fractional distillation is preferred over simple distillation for separating crude oil components.

Answer: Fractional distillation is preferred because crude oil contains many hydrocarbons with similar boiling points, requiring a fractionating column to efficiently separate them based on slight differences in boiling points, which simple distillation cannot achieve.

Question 8: Calculate the boiling point difference between a hydrocarbon that condenses at 150°C and one that condenses at 250°C.

Answer: 100°C

Question 9: Identify two variables that can affect the efficiency of fractional distillation and briefly explain their impact.

Answer: Variables include temperature gradient and the height of the fractionating column; proper control ensures effective separation of hydrocarbons.

Question 10: Describe a real-world application of fractional distillation outside of crude oil processing.

Answer: Fractional distillation is used in producing pure alcohol in the alcohol industry and in the separation of different gases in air separation plants.

Question 11: Discuss the environmental importance of efficient fractional distillation in the petroleum industry.

Answer: Efficient fractional distillation reduces waste and energy consumption, minimizes pollution by accurately separating harmful components, and ensures safer handling of flammable hydrocarbons, contributing to a cleaner environment.