Question

Consult reference materials at the library, and read about products made from hydrocarbons. Keep a list of the number of petroleum-related products you use in a single day.

Short answer

Visit the library, research hydrocarbons and petroleum products, then list and track the petroleum-related products used in a day.

Step-by-step solution

- Visit the Library

Go to the library and ask the librarian to direct you to reference materials about hydrocarbons and petroleum-related products. These materials may include books, encyclopedias, and scientific journals.

- Research Hydrocarbons

In the library, find and read information about hydrocarbons, focusing on how they are the primary components of petroleum and natural gas. Pay attention to their chemical composition and properties.

- Learn About Petroleum-related Products

Look up the various products that are made from hydrocarbons, particularly those derived from petroleum. Common examples include gasoline, plastics, detergents, and cosmetics. Make notes of the different categories and specific products mentioned.

- List the Products

Begin a list of petroleum-related products. Use the information from your research to list examples of these products. Make sure to include everyday items that you might use or encounter frequently.

- Track Daily Usage

Throughout one day, keep a record of all the petroleum-related products you use. Include items like personal care products, fuel for transportation, and any plastic items you handle.

- Count and Summarize

At the end of the day, count the total number of petroleum-related products you used. Summarize your findings, noting any patterns or particularly surprising items.

Key concepts

Library Research

Effective library research is an invaluable skill for students. Start by visiting your library and asking the librarian to direct you to materials about hydrocarbons and petroleum-related products. Good sources include books, encyclopedias, and scientific journals. When researching, don't just focus on acquiring information; also pay attention to the structure and properties of hydrocarbons. Note their chemical compositions and how they form the foundation for many products we use daily. This approach will give you a deeper understanding beyond just listing items.

Petroleum-derived Products

Petroleum-derived products are items made from hydrocarbons found in petroleum and natural gas. These can include a wide range of everyday items, such as:

• Gasoline
• Plastics
• Detergents
• Cosmetics
• Rubber
• Lubricants

Understanding how these products are derived from hydrocarbons helps in grasping their importance in our daily lives. Each category, such as fuel or cosmetics, involves complex chemical processes that convert raw materials into useful products.

Everyday Usage Tracking

Tracking your daily use of petroleum-related products can be enlightening. Start by making a list as you go through your day. Include:

• Personal care items
• Transportation fuel
• Plastic containers
• Synthetically made fabrics

At the end of the day, count and summarize the total number of products you've used. Note any patterns or surprising items. This activity highlights the pervasive nature of petroleum products in modern life, often in ways we don't immediately recognize.

Chemical Composition of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They form the main components of petroleum and natural gas. Hydrocarbons are divided into several types based on their structure:

• Alkanes (single bonds)
• Alkenes (double bonds)
• Alkynes (triple bonds)
• Aromatics (ring structures)

Each type has unique properties that make it useful for different applications. For example, alkanes are generally used as fuels, while aromatic hydrocarbons are crucial in making dyes, detergents, and synthetic fibers. Understanding these differences can help you see how specific chemical properties are harnessed in various products.