Question

Kerosene oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons which contains the number of carbon atoms?
A.\[{C_6} - {C_{12}}\]
B.\[{C_8} - {C_{10}}\]
C.\[{C_{11}} - {C_{16}}\]
D.\[{C_{18}} - {C_{22}}\]

Answer 1

Hint: Kerosene is the combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is obtained from petroleum. It is also known as paraffin. Kerosene is the mixture of hydrocarbons, approximately ten \[(10)\] . Kerosene is one of the important mixtures of hydrocarbons used as an energy source.

Complete answer:
To answer this question, first we will understand the composition of the kerosene.
The composition of the kerosene depends upon the source of its extraction, the process of its extraction.
But, generally as we learnt above, kerosene is a mixture of ten \[(10)\] hydrocarbons and each hydrocarbon contains about \[10{\text{ to 16}}\] carbon atoms per molecule.
Let’s also understand why kerosene is known as paraffin. It is named paraffin because of its composition i.e. the main constituent of kerosene is the straight saturated chain and the branched chain paraffins, not only this but it also contains ring shaped cycloparaffins. Thus, it is also known as paraffins.
Also, note that ring shaped cycloparaffins are also known as naphthenes.
So, on the basis of our above discussion on the composition of the kerosene, we can say that the correct answer is option C i.e. \[{C_{11}} - {C_{16}}\] .
Thus, Kerosene oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons which contains the \[{C_{11}} - {C_{16}}\] number of carbon atoms.

Note:
Here the important point is that the Flash temperature of the kerosene is \[{100^o}F\] or slightly above. So flash temperature is the temperature at which the kerosene produces flames near its surface. This appropriate flash temperature of the kerosene makes it an excellent, effective and safe fuel to use from day to day to industrial use.