Two Chemical Structures Are Shown, One of a Typical Gasoline

question 22

Multiple Choice

Two chemical structures are shown, one of a typical gasoline molecule and the other of a typical motor oil molecule. Which is which? Base your reasoning not on memorization but rather upon what you know about molecular interactions and the various physical properties of gasoline and motor oil.

• A) Structure A represents the gas molecule because there are more bonds to gain energy from, giving it a higher energy content than oil.
• B) Structure A represents motor oil, illustrating a molecule with greater induced dipole-induced dipole molecular interactions thus, the molecules are strongly attracted to one another.
• C) Structure B represents the oil molecule. Because oil molecules are smaller, they can compact closer together, giving the appearance of a thicker solution than gasoline.
• D) Structure B represents crude oil which is processed to generate longer molecules of gasoline to prevent toxic vapors from harming consumers.