Motor Oil: Pure Substance or Mixture?

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SUMMARY

Motor oil is classified as a mixture rather than a pure substance. It consists of base oils, which can be petroleum-based hydrocarbons or polyalphaolefins (PAO), combined with various additives such as antiwear agents, detergents, and viscosity index improvers. The composition of motor oil varies, often containing up to 20% by weight of esters to enhance the solubility of additives. This complexity in formulation confirms that motor oil is not a single compound, but a blend of multiple substances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical classifications: pure substances vs. mixtures
  • Familiarity with motor oil components: base oils and additives
  • Knowledge of petroleum-based hydrocarbons and polyalphaolefins (PAO)
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to solutions and blends
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the different types of motor oils and their specific formulations
  • Learn about the role of additives in motor oil performance
  • Explore the chemical properties of petroleum-based hydrocarbons
  • Investigate the environmental impact of various motor oil types
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for automotive engineers, chemists, and anyone involved in the formulation or selection of lubricants for engines.

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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

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