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Difficulty: EasyIndustrial Applications of Separation Methods

In the industrial refining of crude oil, which physical property forms the basis for separating petroleum into its various fractions inside a fractionating column?

  1. Differences in boiling pointsAnswer
  2. B
    Differences in densities
  3. C
    Differences in solubilities in water
  4. D
    Differences in melting points

Answer

Differences in boiling points
Industrial fractional distillation separates crude oil into distinct hydrocarbon fractions because each component liquid has a unique boiling point. Components with lower boiling points boil off first and are collected near the top of the column, while those with higher boiling points condense lower down.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the industrial separation process used for crude oil
The industrial process used to separate crude oil into petroleum fractions (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc.) is fractional distillation.
Crude oil consists of a complex mixture of miscible hydrocarbons.
2
Determine the governing physical property of fractional distillation
Fractional distillation relies on components vaporizing and condensing at different temperatures due to different boiling points.
Vapors of liquids with lower boiling points rise higher up the fractionating column before condensing, allowing distinct fraction collection.

Key Concept

Industrial Fractional Distillation
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Industrial Applications of Separation Methods