Choose the process by which liquid hydrocarbons can be converted to gaseous hydrocarbons

The correct option is cracking.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Understanding Hydrocarbons and Physical States:
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen. The physical state of a hydrocarbon at room temperature depends largely on its molecular size (carbon chain length). Larger hydrocarbons with longer chains have stronger intermolecular forces, giving them higher boiling points, which typically makes them liquids or solids at room temperature. Smaller hydrocarbons with shorter chains have weaker intermolecular forces, lower boiling points, and exist as gases at room temperature.

2. What is Cracking?
Cracking is a chemical process in petroleum refining where long-chain liquid hydrocarbons are heated to high temperatures (sometimes in the presence of a catalyst) to break the strong carbon-carbon covalent bonds. This thermal or catalytic cleavage breaks the larger molecules down into a mixture of smaller, more useful shorter-chain hydrocarbons. For example, a heavy liquid alkane can be cracked to produce a lighter liquid alkane and a gaseous alkene:
C₁₀H₂₂ (liquid) ⇒ C₈H₁₈ (liquid) + C₂H₄ (gas)

3. Analyzing the Other Options:
• Hydrolysis: This is a chemical reaction in which water molecules break chemical bonds in another substance. Hydrocarbons are non-polar and do not react with water, so hydrolysis cannot convert them.
• Oxidation: This refers to reaction with oxygen (such as combustion). Complete oxidation of hydrocarbons yields carbon dioxide and water, rather than converting them into smaller gaseous hydrocarbons.
• Distillation under reduced pressure: This is a physical separation method used to separate liquids with high boiling points or those that decompose near their boiling points. It does not chemically break down the molecules to form new gaseous hydrocarbons.