Question

Which petroleum product is used to surface the roads?
A. Coal tar
B. Bitumen
C. Paraffin wax
D. Cement

Answer 1

Petroleum products are derived from crude oil and processed in oil refineries. Petroleum products are generally complex mixtures and the majority of products include various classes of fuels. After refining, various petroleum products are used in the production of several petrochemical products like printing ink, gasoline, etc.

Complete answer:
The petroleum product bitumen which is a highly viscous liquid or exists in semi solid form of petroleum, is used for surfacing roads. It is also known as Asphalt. It is majorly used in construction of roads. It is also used as a binder or glue with particles to form asphalt concrete and is commonly termed as “tar”.
There are four main components of bitumen which are as follows:
It consists of naphthalene having a partially polycyclic aromatic compound.
Consists of polar aromatic, generally high molecular weight carboxylic acids and phenols.
Saturated hydrocarbons
It also consists of heterocyclic compounds.
The properties of bitumen vary with the changes in temperature. There is a certain range over which viscosity allows sufficient compression by providing lubrication among the particles during the compaction process. At a low temperature range, it stops aggregate particles from moving and hence, required density is achieved.
It is also used for the purpose of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs as it has waterproofing properties. It is used for insulating purposes in various buildings, pipe coatings and paints.
Hence, the petroleum product which is used to surface the roads is Bitumen.
Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.

Note:
It is important to note that for surfacing of roads, the material should have a tendency to bind the aggregate particles i.e., it must have adhesive properties, so that the metal used to construct the roads remain intact.