Here is a simple way to remember the difference between conventional motor oil and synthetic motor oil
(disclaimer: in no way does this explanation have any kind of scientific terminology except for the words molecules and dinosaurs).
Conventional Motor Oil comes from dinosaurs | Synthetic Motor Oil comes from laboratories
Imagine the molecules that make up regular conventional oil look something like this:
. . .
. . . .
. . Note that these molecules are all jumbled and move in all different directions
. . . .
Now, imagine the molecules that make up synthetic motor oil look something like this:
...............
..............
.............. Note that these molecules are all organized and work together to move in unison.
..............
...............
This is the benefit of synthetic oil; it has been scientifically modified to perform in a certain manner. Whereas, conventional oil has simply been dug up from the ground, cleaned and refined with various additives.
Something to ponder....hope this helps answer your car questions