EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Shorter hydrocarbon molecules have weaker intermolecular forces and lower boiling points. They are highly volatile and therefore extremely flammable. The shortest hydrocarbons have very low boiling points. They do not condense, but leave the column in the gas state.

Detailed explanation-2: -As the length of the carbon chain increases, the more viscous the hydrocarbon will be. A shorter hydrocarbon chain will be more ‘runny’ than a longer hydrocarbon chain.

Detailed explanation-3: -As you go up the fractionating column, the hydrocarbon molecules get smaller and have: lower boiling points. lower viscosity (they flow more easily) higher flammability (they ignite more easily)

Detailed explanation-4: -As the hydrocarbon chain length increases, boiling point increases. As the hydrocarbon chain length increases, viscosity increases. As the hydrocarbon chain length increases, flammability decreases.

Detailed explanation-5: -As the number of carbon atoms increases in hydrocarbons, the viscosity gradually increases-this is due to the intermolecular forces of attraction being greater for longer chains and a higher chance of chains entangling.