Cracking processes are methods used in the petroleum industry to break down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones. This is essential for producing fuels like gasoline and diesel from crude oil. The two main types of cracking are thermal cracking, which uses heat and pressure, and catalytic cracking, which employs a catalyst to speed up the reaction at lower temperatures. These processes help maximize the yield of valuable products from crude oil, making them crucial for energy production. By converting heavy fractions into lighter ones, cracking enhances the efficiency of refineries and supports the demand for various petroleum-based products.