Crude Oil
7 marks · HardFuels made from crude oil are widely used for transport and heating. The environmental impacts of using these fuels are an important concern.
Explain how burning fuels obtained from crude oil can contribute to the formation of acid rain. In your answer, refer to any gases released and their effects.
Name one use of kerosene and explain why air pollution from this use might be a concern in large cities.
Describe one way that reducing the use of kerosene as a fuel could help the environment.
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(a) Burning crude oil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which cause acid rain · must show sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, formation of acidic rain
(b) Kerosene is used in jet fuel; air pollution from planes includes harmful gases which can accumulate in cities · must show a use of kerosene (e.g., jet fuel, heating oil), mention of pollution in cities
(c) Reducing kerosene use lowers release of polluting gases, decreasing acid rain and air pollution · must show reduced emissions, less air/acid pollution
Common mistakes: Stating only carbon dioxide causes acid rain; Confusing kerosene with another fuel fraction
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · States correct gas: sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides
M2 (a) · 1 mark · Explains these gases dissolve in water to form acid(s) (or acid rain)
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Links acid rain to environmental damage
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States a correct use of kerosene
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Links this use to potential air pollution in cities
C1 (c) · 1 mark · States a relevant consequence of reducing kerosene use (e.g., fewer harmful emissions)
C2 (c) · 1 mark · Links this consequence to a benefit for the environment (e.g., reduced acid rain)
Worked solution
a) When fuels from crude oil are burned, they can release sulfur dioxide (SO2) from impurities and nitrogen oxides (NOx) formed at high temperatures. These gases rise into the atmosphere, dissolve in rainwater and form acids (sulfuric and nitric acid), causing acid rain. Acid rain damages buildings, crops, and aquatic habitats.
b) One use of kerosene is as a fuel for jet aircraft (aviation fuel). When aeroplanes use kerosene, they release pollutants including nitrogen oxides and particulates into the air. In large cities with busy airports, this can contribute to poor air quality and health concerns for people living nearby.
c) If society reduces the use of kerosene (for example, by using alternative energy sources), there will be fewer emissions of harmful gases. This can decrease the problems of air pollution and acid rain, helping to protect ecosystems and human health.