The origin of crude oil
4 marks · NormalCrude oil and its products can cause environmental harm. Answer all parts.
State one gas released from burning hydrocarbons that causes acid rain.
Explain how acid rain is formed from the burning of hydrocarbons.
Describe one effect of acid rain on the environment.
Apart from acid rain, state one other problem caused by burning hydrocarbons.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) or nitrogen oxides (NOx). · must show SO2, sulfur dioxide, NOx, nitrogen oxides
(b) Sulfur dioxide (or nitrogen oxides) dissolve in rainwater to form acids, which fall as acid rain. · must show dissolves in water to form acid
(c) Damages plants (kills trees), harms aquatic life, erodes buildings/statues. · must show plants, lakes/fish, buildings
(d) Global warming (due to CO2), air pollution, smog, respiratory problems. · must show global warming, pollution
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Identifies sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides as a cause of acid rain.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Explains that the gas dissolves in rainwater to form an acid.
B3 (c) · 1 mark · Describes an acceptable environmental effect of acid rain.
B4 (d) · 1 mark · States a different problem related to burning hydrocarbons.
Worked solution
a) Sulfur dioxide (SO2).
b) Sulfur dioxide dissolves in rainwater, forming sulfuric acid, which falls as acid rain.
c) Acid rain damages plants and aquatic habitats, and can corrode buildings.
d) Burning hydrocarbons also leads to global warming due to release of carbon dioxide.