Characterising, Using and Extracting Alkanes - 6.2j-6.2o

Fuels, Hydrocarbons and Organic Reactions - OCR Combined Science (J250)

In this course, Dr Noha Ziedan (University of Chester) covers topics in organic chemistry for OCR GCSE (9-1) in Combined Science A (J250) for Higher/Foundation Tier. It concerns: (i) the properties and uses of fuels and hydrocarbons (Topics 6.2j-6.2o).

Characterising, Using and Extracting Alkanes - 6.2j-6.2o

In the first and only mini-lecture, the speaker discusses the properties of hydrocarbons like alkanes (Topics 6.2j-6.2o). We mention how alkanes are commonly used as fuels and undergo complete and incomplete combustion, and their sometimes dangerous products. The finite nature of fossil fuels prompts the exploration of alternative sources such as hydrogen, which produces only water as a waste product. However, challenges remain in terms of hydrogen production and handling. Crude oil serves as the main source of hydrocarbons, and fractional distillation is used to separate different hydrocarbon fractions based on their physical properties. The lecture also mentions cracking as a process to convert long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter, more useful hydrocarbons, including alkenes.