Chapter 30, Problem 40A

To determine

To find which crude oil fractions are collected at the top of a fractioning tower.

Answer to Problem 40A

(c) Low boiling point, few carbon atoms.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In a fractioning column the lower carbon chains with goes up so at the top of the fractioning tower lower chain carbons / few carbons atoms are collected.

There lower chain while going up where hits a certain temp becomes liquid. The boiling point of these lower chain carbon atoms is less then the remaining fraction of the tower. Hence low boiling point and few carbon atoms are collected at the top of the fractioning column. Hence option (c) is correct. Because of the low boiling point of carbon chain they goes up where they can collect as liquid.

Conclusion:

Hence, (c) Low boiling point, few carbon atoms.