The origin of crude oil
2 marks · HardExplain how burning fuels derived from crude oil can contribute to acid rain. Include the names of the main gases involved.
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Burning fuels from crude oil releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). These gases react with water in the atmosphere to form acids, contributing to acid rain.
Also accept: Burning crude oil fuels produces sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that dissolve in rainwater to form sulfuric and nitric acids, causing acid rain.
Common mistakes: Omitting nitrogen oxides or sulfur dioxide; Mentioning only carbon dioxide
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Identifies at least one main pollutant gas (sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides) released from burning crude oil fuels.
B2 · 1 mark · Explains these gases react with rainwater/atmosphere to make acids/acid rain.
Worked solution
When fuels from crude oil are burned, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are formed.
These gases react with water in the atmosphere to produce acids, leading to acid rain.