Question detail
Which property of the components in crude oil is primarily responsible for the separation of fractions during fractional distillation?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Alkanes
Question
- A. Higher boiling points of heavier fractions
- B. Higher melting points of heavier fractions
- C. Higher density of heavier fractions
- D. Higher electrical conductivity of heavier fractions
Answer
Higher boiling points of heavier fractions
Explanation
Fractional distillation separates components by their boiling points. Heavier fractions have higher boiling points, so they condense at higher temperatures and are collected separately.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Fractional Distillation
Students often think that fractional distillation separates crude oil based solely on boiling points without considering the role of intermolecular forces.
Fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions based on both boiling points and the strength of intermolecular forces. The formula for separation involves understanding that components with lower boiling points and weaker intermolecular forces vaporize first. For example, lighter fractions like gasoline have lower boiling points than heavier fractions like diesel. Therefore, as the crude oil is heated, the lighter fractions rise and condense at different levels in the fractionating column.
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