Comparing the two methods of producing ethanol
2 marks · EasyA company must decide between using fermentation or the hydration of ethene to make ethanol. The fermentation process requires less energy but is much slower. The company finds it can make 180 tonnes of ethanol per week by fermentation, but 540 tonnes per week by hydration of ethene.
Calculate how many times faster the hydration of ethene method is compared to fermentation. Show your working.
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3 times (±0)
Also accept: 3x; three times; 3 times faster
Common mistakes: Dividing the smaller by the larger to get 1/3; Subtracting instead of dividing to get 360
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Correctly sets up the calculation: (540 ÷ 180).
A1 · 1 mark · Gives the correct answer: 3.
Worked solution
To compare the speeds:
The hydration of ethene method is 3 times faster than fermentation.