Gasoline (petrol)
5 marks · HardGasoline (petrol) is an important product of crude oil refining.
State the main use of gasoline.
Explain why gasoline is suitable for its main application. Give two reasons.
Another fraction from crude oil is kerosene. Compare the main use of kerosene with that of gasoline.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Used as a fuel in cars (motor vehicles).
(b) Gasoline is suitable because it burns easily/cleanly and provides a large amount of energy per unit volume.
(c) Kerosene is mainly used as an aviation fuel (for jet aircraft), while gasoline is used in cars.
Common mistakes: Confusing kerosene and gasoline uses.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States that gasoline is mainly used as a fuel in cars (motor vehicles).
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Gives one correct reason why gasoline is suitable for use in cars (e.g., burns easily, produces energy quickly, volatile, burns cleanly).
B3 (b) · 1 mark · Gives a second, different correct reason (e.g., high energy content, easy to ignite, liquid at room temperature, flows easily).
B4 (c) · 1 mark · Correctly states that kerosene is used as an aviation fuel (for jet aircraft) or for heating lamps.
B5 (c) · 1 mark · Provides a suitable comparison showing gasoline is used in cars and kerosene is used for aviation.
Worked solution
a) The main use of gasoline is as a fuel in cars (motor vehicles).
b) Gasoline is suitable because it burns easily (or readily); it produces a large amount of energy during combustion. Accept: burns cleanly, easy to ignite, flows easily into the engine.
c) Kerosene is used mainly as an aviation fuel, for jet planes, whereas gasoline is mainly used in cars. The main use of kerosene differs from that of gasoline.