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Questions and Answers
The word petroleum comes from the Greek word, Petra meaning ______
rock
Petroleum is a naturally occuring mixture of hydrocarbons of different molecular weights and possesses a wide range of differing ______ properties from one oil field to another.
physical
The use of asphalt in construction dates back to around 400BC in ______
Babylonia
Abiogenic theory proposes an ______ origin of petroleum.
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Biogenic theory suggests an ______ origin of petroleum.
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The remnants of buried organic matter (plant and animal life), deposited under lacustrine, deltaic and marine environments, contribute to the biogenic theory of the ______ of petroleum.
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Terrestrial deposits mainly form ______ and coal.
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Marine deposits primarily form ______.
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Study Notes
Origin of Petroleum
- The word "petroleum" comes from the Greek words "petra" meaning rock and "oleum" meaning oil.
- Petroleum is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons with varying molecular weights and physical properties, differing from one oil field to another.
History of Petroleum Use
- Asphalt was used in construction as early as 400 BC in Babylonia.
Theories of Petroleum Origin
Abiogenic Theory
- This theory proposes that petroleum originates from inorganic sources, specifically from deep carbon deposits formed during the planet's formation.
- Traces of solid and liquid hydrocarbons have been recorded in Precambrian basement rocks.
- Extraterrestrial occurrence of hydrocarbons has also been suggested.
- Magmatic materials, such as iron carbide, react with water to form hydrocarbons (CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2).
Biogenic Theory
- This theory proposes that petroleum originates from the remnants of buried organic matter (plant and animal life).
- Organic matter accumulates, is preserved, and altered over extensive periods of time under high temperature and pressure.
- Terrestrial deposits form gas and coal, while marine deposits form oil.
- Hydrocarbon compounds are abundant in living organisms.
- Commercial quantities of petroleum are found in sedimentary rocks.
- Most large deposits are located in regions of ancient river mouths, deltas, and prehistoric reefs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the origin and properties of petroleum, including its historical uses and different components like crude oil, natural gas, bitumen, and wax. Explore theories on the formation of petroleum and its wide range of physical properties.
