Science glossary film: Cracking

Reactions used in the oil industry to break down large hydrocarbon molecules. Cracking uses heat to split long hydrocarbon chains into smaller, more useful hydrocarbons, such as alkenes, which are then used to manufacture plastics. This process can turn thick, heavy hydrocarbons, like bitumen, into lighter, more combustible fuels, such as petrol and propane.

Cracking uses heat to split long hydrocarbon chains into smaller, more useful hydrocarbons, such as alkenes, which are then used to manufacture plastics. This process can turn thick, heavy hydrocarbons, like bitumen, into lighter, more combustible fuels, such as petrol and propane.