cracking

what is cracking

a chemical process that breaks long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter, more useful hydrocarbons

are long alkanes in demand

no

are short alkanes in demand

yes

why is cracking needed

because long chain hydrocarbons are in low demand, but short chain hydrocarbons and alkanes are in high demand

what are the products of cracking

a shorter chain alkane and at least one alkene

why are alkenes important

they are used to make polymers

what are the two types of cracking

catalytic cracking and steam cracking

what are the conditions for catalytic cracking

heat + a catalyst (usually a zeolite)

what are the conditions for steam cracking

very high temperatures + steam

how can you tell if an alkene has been produced

add bromine water - it turns from orange to colourless

is cracking a physical or chemical process

chemical - new substances are made

whats an example of a cracking equation

C(10)H(22) → C(7)H(16) + C(3)H(6)

look at the image and try drawing it yourself