1. Module 6

1.7. Page 5

Module 6 Lesson 1

Module 6—Petrochemicals

Lesson Summary

 

In Lesson 1 you considered the following questions:

  • What are petrochemicals?
  • What kinds of products result from Alberta’s petrochemical industry?

Hydrocarbons found in petroleum can be modified to create new substances. Approximately 5% of the natural gas and crude oil harvested in Alberta is used as feedstock to create petrochemicals. Petrochemicals include all chemicals that are produced from petroleum. Plastics, synthetic clothing, shingles, cosmetics, paint, carpets, fertilizers, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals are examples of petrochemical products.

 

Petrochemicals are one way to use the hydrocarbons found in petroleum. As you work through Module 6 you will continue to collect information and consider different perspectives on how society can best use the hydrocarbons found in petroleum.

 

Lesson Glossary

 

petrochemical: a chemical made or extracted from petroleum