# Explain why cracking is an important industrial process.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.7.1 Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock · Explain · 4 marks

> Crude oil is separated into fractions by fractional distillation. Some fractions are in greater demand than others. Cracking is used to convert less useful fractions into more useful products.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Long-chain hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller, more useful molecules
2. Shorter-chain hydrocarbons are more flammable, making them better fuels
3. Cracking produces alkenes, which are unsaturated hydrocarbons
4. Alkenes can be used to make other useful chemicals, such as polymers

## Key terms

- [cracking](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cracking)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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