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Petrol - In its crude state, petroleum is a virtually useless material.
Member rating: No Rating | Words: | Submitted: Wed Sep 17 2003
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Petrol In its crude state, petroleum is a virtually useless material. However when refined, the hydrocarbons it contains supply almost half the world's current energy needs and are the starting chemicals from which about 90% of the worlds organic chemicals are made. Fractional distillation is the process by which the different fractions in crude petroleum are separated according to their boiling points. One of the fractions obtained is naphtha. Further fractionation of naphtha yields petrol (C - C alkanes). In the internal combustion engine, a piston compresses a mixture of air and petrol vapour. At the point of maximum compression, an electrical spark ignites the petrol/air mixture and rapid combustion occurs. A typical reaction would be the combustion of octane: The hot gaseous products expand against the piston and force it downwards. This mechanical energy is transmitted to the drive wheels of the car, enabling it to move. Petrol also...
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