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Uses of mineral wool in an experiment

Hi just wondering what are the uses of mineral wool in, say, cracking alkanes in a lab? Also why isn't the mineral wool heated directly (they usually heat the catalyst instead?)

Thanks in advance :smile:
Reply 1
Avatar for Pigster
Pigster
20
Mineral wool is usually used to keep liquids in, and let gases out.
Reply 2
Avatar for Sydian
Sydian
OP
6
Original post by Pigster
Mineral wool is usually used to keep liquids in, and let gases out.


Hmm but what are the risks associated with runny liquids? Does it catch fire or smth?
(thanks for replying though :smile:)
Reply 3
Avatar for Pigster
Pigster
20
The cracking reaction takes place at high temperatures, using a catalyst allows the reaction to take place at lower temperatures. The catalysed reaction takes place on the surface of the catalyst.

The reaction doesn't take place on the mineral wool. Heating it would have no effect on the cracking reaction. It shouldn't catch fire.
Original post by Pigster
Mineral wool is usually used to keep liquids in, and let gases out.


This is a question in last week's IAL Chem Unit 3 exam paper.
Reply 5
Avatar for Pigster
Pigster
20
Original post by Äries
This is a question in last week's IAL Chem Unit 3 exam paper.

Well, in that case, I hope my suggestion is an acceptable mark scheme answer.
Today is IAL Chemistry Unit 1 exam. A question about graphene, I answered "it is a layer of graphite". Fortunately.
Original post by Pigster
Well, in that case, I hope my suggestion is an acceptable mark scheme answer.
Original post by Pigster
Well, in that case, I hope my suggestion is an acceptable mark scheme answer.

I've got full marks in this paper.
Reply 8
Avatar for Pigster
Pigster
20
Original post by Äries
I've got full marks in this paper.

In that case, I feel somewhat vindicated.

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