The origin of crude oil
2 marks · EasyA power station burns fuel oil that contains sulfur, forming 40 kg of sulfur dioxide in one day. Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide reacts with rainwater. Calculate the mass of sulfur dioxide released if 300 kg of fuel oil is burned the next day, assuming the same rate of production. Show your working.
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120 kg (±1)
(a) 120 kg · must show Correct use of proportion from given data, Correct calculation and final unit
Common mistakes: Incorrect ratio applied (e.g., multiplying by 8 instead of 7.5)
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Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly sets up a proportion or multiplies the mass of sulfur dioxide by an appropriate factor.
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Arrives at the correct final answer: 120 kg (with working and unit). (follow-through)
Worked solution
40 kg of sulfur dioxide is produced when an unknown (but equal) mass of fuel oil is burned. To find the proportional mass for 300 kg, set up the ratio:
This simplifies to: x = 3 × 40 kg = 120 kg
So, 120 kg of sulfur dioxide is released when 300 kg of fuel oil is burned.