When large hydrocarbon molecules are heated at high temperature in the presence of a catalyst to give smaller molecules, the process is known as
Answer Details
The process of breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller molecules by heating them at high temperatures in the presence of a catalyst is known as cracking. This process is used to convert heavy, high-molecular-weight hydrocarbon molecules into lighter, more valuable products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. The high temperatures cause the large molecules to break apart into smaller ones, and the catalyst helps speed up the reaction. This process is important in the petrochemical industry, as it allows for the production of a wider range of useful products from crude oil.