Chemical Process Fundamentals & Reactions Flashcards
7 cards from real CPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Chemical Process Fundamentals & Reactions flashcards as text
What principle is a distillation process based on in chemical manufacturing?
Answer: Differences in boiling points (volatilities) of liquid components
Distillation separates liquid mixtures based on differences in the boiling points (relative volatility) of the components.
What is polymerization in a chemical process context?
Answer: Combining many small monomer units into long-chain polymer molecules
Polymerization is the chemical process by which monomer molecules react and bond together to form long-chain polymer molecules (e.g., polyethylene from ethylene).
What is the primary purpose of a scrubber in a chemical or refining process plant?
Answer: To remove pollutants or contaminants from a gas stream using a liquid
A scrubber contacts a gas stream with a liquid (typically water or a caustic solution) to absorb and remove harmful pollutants or contaminants before the gas is released.
What critical information is provided by a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a chemical used in a process plant?
Answer: Hazard identification, handling, storage, and emergency response information
An SDS (formerly MSDS) provides comprehensive hazard information including physical/chemical properties, health hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures for a chemical.
What distinguishes a Brønsted-Lowry acid from a Brønsted-Lowry base?
Answer: An acid donates protons (H⁺); a base accepts protons
In the Brønsted-Lowry definition, an acid is a proton (H⁺) donor and a base is a proton (H⁺) acceptor.
What is a redox reaction, and what always occurs during one?
Answer: A reaction in which one species is simultaneously oxidized and another is reduced
A redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction always involves simultaneous electron transfer: one species loses electrons (oxidized) while another gains electrons (reduced).
What does the flash point of a chemical indicate, and why is it critical for process technicians?
Answer: The lowest temperature at which vapors above a liquid can ignite when exposed to an ignition source
Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to ignite momentarily near an ignition source, making it a critical fire and explosion hazard parameter.