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Cracking for AQA GCSE Chemistry







This page covers the following topics:
1. Cracking process benefits
2. Methods of cracking
3. Cracking equations
Cracking involves breaking down long chain alkanes to shorter chain alkanes and alkenes. This reaction is important for obtaining many short chained unsaturated molecules.

Cracking is either done using a catalyst (zeolite) or steam, it can be done in a lab using the apparatus shown.

In a cracking equation the reactant will always be a long alkane and the products will be a shorter chain alkane and alkene. When writing equations remember there must be the same number of carbon and hydrogen atoms on both sides.

1
Complete this equation:
C₁₅H₃₂ → C₁₂H₂₆ + ?
C₁₅H₃₂ → C₁₂H₂₆ + C₃H₆
2
What is one advantage of catalytic cracking?
It is done at a lower temperature, thus uses less energy and is therefore cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
3
What are the values of x and y in this equation?
C₂₅H₅₂ → CxH₄₂ + CyH₁₀
x = 20 and y = 5
4
Which method requires higher temperatures, catalytic or steam? Why?
Steam method requires higher temperatures. The presence of a catalyst lowers the activation energy of the reaction and reduces the temperature needed.
5
What are the values of x and y in this equation?
C₂₀H₄₂ → CxH₂₆ + C₈Hy
x = 12, y = 16
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