Chapter 14, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A tanker filled with light crude oil sinks and breaks open. If the oil dissolves, float or sink in the water should be explained.

Concept Introduction: Crude oil is mostly organic material; it is called “light” as it will contain only light material dissolved in the petroleum itself. Light material tends to float whereas polar-nonpolar material will not mix.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Solution:

Oil floats on water surface.

Explanation of Solution

If a tanker was to spill the oil, there will be no mixing between the oil and the water of ocean. This is mostly because the materials involved are polar (water) and non-polar (oil). Recall that “like dissolves like” which is not the case. The oil will not mix with the water, which then forms a two phases system.

The difference in densities will show the actual arrangement. Since this is a light crude oil, then we must assume that average density must be between 700-900 kilograms per cubic meter, whereas ocean water is approximate to 1030kilograms per cubic meter. Therefore, the denser (ocean water) remainsat the bottom, and the light crude oil will float.

Conclusion

Thus, oil will form a separate phase, which is lighter than water, and therefore, will be on top