[Quiz] The Black Gold: Crude Oil

What are crude oil and natural gases?

Crude oil and natural gases are mixtures of hydrocarbon molecules containing from 1 to 60 carbon atoms.

How they come into existence

Crude oil and natural gases are believed to have been formed over millions of years by the decay of vegetation and marine organisms, compressed under the weight of sedimentation. Because oil and gas are lighter than water, they rose up to fill the voids in these overlying formations.

What is the use of crude oil

Crude oil is typically obtained through drilling, where it is usually found alongside other resources, such as natural gas (which is lighter and therefore sits above the crude oil) and saline water (which is denser and sinks below). It is then refined and processed into a variety of forms, such as gasoline, kerosene and asphalt, and sold to consumers.

Crude oil is still the major energy source worldwide, however, it is non-renewable and limited.