Question

Why is petroleum referred to as black gold?

Answer 1

Hint: Petroleum is a naturally occuring yellow and blackish liquid which is found in geological formations beneath the surface of our planet, earth. The components of petroleum or crude oil are separated by using a technique which is called fractional distillation. In this method, separation of a mixture of liquid into fractions differing in boiling point by distillation. In this method, a fractionating column is used.

Complete Answer: Petroleum is referred to as black gold because it is mainly used in the manufacture of different products such as pharmaceuticals, gasoline, plastics and synthetic fabrics etc. Petroleum is a naturally occurring element which is found in a liquid state. The colour of petroleum is either yellow or black. It is usually found in geological formations underneath the crust of the earth. When the petroleum is drilled from the ground in the liquid state, it is referred to as crude oil. The name black gold itself is an indication that petroleum is very vital to us, humans. People refer to it as gold because of its worth and oils. Petroleum is very hard to find in the present time. Petroleum is also called crude oil. Crude oil and its derivatives are called black gold because they are very valuable.

Note: Petroleum includes all liquid, gaseous and solid hydrocarbons along with crude oil. Under the conditions like pressure and temperature of the surface, lighter hydrocarbons methane, ethane, propane and butane exist as gases but pentane and heavier hydrocarbons are in the liquid or solid form.