Motor Oil: Pure Substance or Mixture?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether motor oil is classified as a pure substance or a mixture. Participants explore the definitions and characteristics of motor oil, comparing it to other substances like water, and consider the implications of its composition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant wonders if motor oil is a pure substance or a mixture, comparing it to water, which they believe is a pure substance.
  • Another participant notes that the question is not well-defined due to the existence of various types of oils, suggesting that the answer depends on the specific type of oil being discussed.
  • A later post provides a detailed description of motor oil, explaining that it consists of base oils and various additives, implying that it may not be a pure substance.
  • Some participants emphasize that motor oil is composed of more than one compound, suggesting it is a mixture rather than a single substance.
  • One participant encourages others to conduct their own research before asking questions, indicating a preference for independent inquiry.
  • Another participant humorously suggests reading advertisements for insights into the nature of motor oil.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether motor oil is a pure substance or a mixture. Multiple viewpoints are presented, highlighting the complexity of the question and the need for clarification on the type of oil being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying definitions of pure substances and mixtures, and the complexity of motor oil's composition, which includes base oils and additives. There is an acknowledgment of the need for specificity regarding the type of oil in question.

Another
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i wonder if the motor oil a pure substance or mixture substance

i know water are pure substance and i think motor oil same water
 
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What sources have you consulted before asking the question?
 
This is not a well defined question because there are many different types of oils (motor oil, cooking oil, mineral oil, etc.) and the answer will depend on what type you're talking about.
 
Borek said:
What sources have you consulted before asking the question?
No. i just wonder
 
Ygggdrasil said:
This is not a well defined question because there are many different types of oils (motor oil, cooking oil, mineral oil, etc.) and the answer will depend on what type you're talking about.
am sorry. I mean motor oil
 
Start with Wikipedia:
Wikipedia said:
Motor oil, engine oil, or engine lubricant is any of various substances comprising base oils enhanced with additives, particularly antiwear additive plus detergents, dispersants and, for multi-grade oils viscosity index improvers. In addition to that, almost all lubricating oils contain corrosion (GB: rust) and oxidation inhibitors.
Wikipedia said:
Motor oils today are blended using base oils composed of petroleum-based hydrocarbons, that means organic compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen, or polyalphaolefins (PAO) or their mixtures in various proportions, sometimes with up to 20% by weight of esters for better dissolution of additives.
Does that sound like a pure substance or a mixture?
 
Another said:
No. i just wonder

Start with your own research. Always. Make it a habit.
 
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Another said:
i wonder if the motor oil a pure substance or mixture substance

i know water are pure substance and i think motor oil same water
Blend, or a solution. "Mixture"? Maybe. Motor oil is not just one compound collected as a liquid mass. MORE than one single compound collected as a liquid mass.
 
Another said:
i wonder if the motor oil a pure substance or mixture substance
Just read the advertisements... What do you think now? :smile:

https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/mobil-super/mobil-super

upload_2018-8-29_12-59-47.png
 

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