7.1.3 Properties of Hydrocarbons

Key Features of Hydrocarbons:

• Boiling point
• Viscosity
• Flammability

Boiling Point:

• The boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas. Long-chain hydrocarbons have strong intermolecular forces, leading to higher boiling points. They require more energy to break these forces, so they condense near the bottom of the fractionating column.

Short-chain hydrocarbons have weaker intermolecular forces and lower boiling points. They need less energy to break these forces, allowing them to rise higher and condense near the top of the column.

Viscosity:

• Viscosity measures a liquid's resistance to flow or its "thickness."
• Larger hydrocarbons have higher viscosity, meaning they are thicker and flow less easily, due to stronger intermolecular forces.

Flammability:

• Flammability refers to how easily a hydrocarbon can combust.
• Smaller hydrocarbons are more flammable and are effective fuels, while larger hydrocarbons are less flammable.