Crude Oil

5 marks · Easy

Burning fuels from crude oil can cause air pollution and environmental problems. These fuels can be separated into different fractions with different properties and uses.

(a)

Explain how burning fuels from crude oil can contribute to acid rain. State one pollutant involved.

[2 marks]

(b)

Give one way in which using fractions with larger hydrocarbon molecules can increase air pollution compared to using fractions with smaller molecules.

[1 mark]

(c)

State one property and one use of the gasoline fraction from crude oil.

[2 marks]

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(a) Burning fuels releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) or nitrogen oxides which dissolve in rainwater and form acid rain.

(b) Larger hydrocarbons burn less completely, producing more pollutants such as carbon particulates (soot).

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

M1 (a) · 1 mark · States burning fuels from crude oil releases a pollutant (e.g., SO2, nitrogen oxides) which causes acid rain

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Names one pollutant involved in acid rain (e.g., SO2 or nitrogen oxides)

B1 (b) · 1 mark · States that larger hydrocarbons lead to more pollution (e.g., produce soot, unburnt fuel or more CO)

B1 (c) · 1 mark · States one property of gasoline fraction (e.g., volatile, low boiling point)

B1 (c) · 1 mark · States one use of gasoline fraction (e.g., car fuel, petrol)

Worked solution

a) Burning fuels from crude oil releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) or nitrogen oxides (NOx), which dissolve in rainwater and cause acid rain.

b) Fractions with larger molecules burn less completely, producing soot (carbon particulates) or more carbon monoxide, increasing air pollution.

c) Gasoline is volatile (has a low boiling point) and is used as fuel for cars (petrol).