Chemistry Topic Practice

Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil | GCSE Chemistry

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that must be separated into useful fractions.

Where in the column do the longest hydrocarbons condense?

What is Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil | GCSE Chemistry?

"The industrial process of separating crude oil into simpler, more useful mixtures called fractions based on boiling points."

Fractionating column is hot at the bottom and cool at the top.

Small molecules: Low boiling points, condense at the top.

Large molecules: High boiling points, condense at the bottom.

Fractions include petrol, kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil.

Exam Tip

Exam Rule: Fractional distillation is a PHYSICAL process; no chemical bonds are broken.

The fastest way to improve your grade is to practise exam-style questions, identify your gaps, and focus only on what you don't know.

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