Question
Fill in the missing word. During cracking the catalyst __ the bonds in the large hydrocarbon.
Answer
4.1
(268 Votes)
Patsy
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Breaks
Explanation
Cracking is a chemical process where long-chain hydrocarbons are broken down into shorter-chain hydrocarbons with the use of a catalyst. In terms of the missing word in the sentence provided, during the cracking process, the catalyst 'breaks' the bonds of the large hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon bonds are strong and need to be broken to start reactions, and this therefore emphasizes the crucial role of catalysts in the operation called cracking in order to allow the formation of other useful smaller hydrocarbon products.