Kerosene

4 marks · Normal

Kerosene is a fraction obtained from the distillation of crude oil.

(a)

State one typical use of kerosene in transport.

[1 mark]

(b)

Give one typical use of kerosene in the home.

[1 mark]

(c)

Name one way kerosene is used for light or heating.

[1 mark]

(d)

Why is kerosene preferred over petrol for jet aircraft?

[1 mark]

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(a) Fuel for jet aircraft (as aviation fuel)

(b) Heating oil for domestic heaters (or cooking fuel/paraffin heater)

(d) Kerosene has a higher flash point and is less volatile than petrol, making it safer for use in jet engines.

Common mistakes: Confusing kerosene with petrol or diesel; Giving uses of other fractions (e.g. gasoline for cars)

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly states a typical use of kerosene in transport (e.g. jet aircraft fuel)

B2 (b) · 1 mark · Gives a typical use of kerosene in the home (e.g. heating oil, cooking)

B3 (c) · 1 mark · Names one use for light or heating (e.g. fuel for lamps, stoves)

B4 (d) · 1 mark · Gives a correct reason for use in jet aircraft (e.g. higher flash point/safer than petrol/less volatile)

Worked solution

a) One typical use of kerosene in transport is as fuel for jet aircraft (aviation fuel).

b) In the home, kerosene is commonly used as heating oil for domestic heaters (or as cooking fuel in some places).

c) Kerosene is used as fuel in small heaters or lamps ('paraffin' lamps or heaters).

d) Kerosene is preferred over petrol for jet aircraft because it has a higher flash point and is less volatile, reducing the risk of explosion and making it safer.