Definition
Cracking is a reaction in which larger saturated Hydrocarbons molecules are broken down into smaller, more useful hydrocarbon molecules, some of which are unsaturated.
Example
Methods for Cracking
Catalytic Cracking
Uses a temperature of approximately 550
Steam Cracking
Uses a higher temperature of over 800°C and no catalyst.
Reasons for Cracking
The main reason for cracking is to match the demand of varying lengths of chains of Hydrocarbons, Generally Short Chain Hydrocarbons are more useful then Long Chain Hydrocarbons due to them being more flammable.