Question detail
A refinery cracks a large alkane into a mixture containing 30 % propane and 70 % butane by mass. Explain why this mixture is more suitable for use as a fuel than the original large alkane.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
Question
A refinery cracks a large alkane into a mixture containing 30 % propane and 70 % butane by mass. Explain why this mixture is more suitable for use as a fuel than the original large alkane.
Answer
The mixture contains smaller alkanes, so each molecule has a lower boiling point and higher volatility, allowing it to evaporate and mix with air more readily. This improves combustion efficiency and energy release, making the mixture a better fuel than the larger, less volatile original alkane.
Explanation
The answer tests application of knowledge about how cracking reduces molecular size, affecting volatility and combustion, and why this is advantageous for fuels.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding the Demand for Small Molecules
Students often confuse the usefulness of cracked products with the size of the molecules, thinking that all small molecules are fuels.
Clarify that only certain small molecules, specifically those produced from cracking, are in high demand as fuels due to their efficiency and combustion properties.
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