CHEMISTRY 2017

Unit 3
Key Topic Test 1 – Fuels

Recommended writing time*: 45 minutes

Total number of marks available: 50 marks

SOLUTIONS

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2017 CHEMISTRY KEY TOPIC TEST

SECTION A: Multiple-choice questions (1 mark each)

Question 1

Answer: B

Explanation:

Heat and pressure acting on the coal will squeeze water from it. The carbon content will increase
and the water content drop.

Question 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Propene is an alkene. It is not in petroleum in significant proportions so alkanes will be used in

preference.

Question 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Australian oil reserves are virtually non-existent, we have huge brown and black coal reserves
while we have gas reserves for around 60 years.

Question 4

Answer: A

Explanation:

The smaller the alkane, the lower the boiling point and the higher it will rise in the column.
Option A lists alkanes in order of shortest to longest.

Question 5

Answer: D

Explanation:

Thermal energy from burning coal is converted to thermal energy of steam. This turns a turbine
(mechanical energy) and produces electrical energy.

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2017 CHEMISTRY KEY TOPIC TEST

Question 6

Answer: C

Explanation:

Tallow is animal fat, a source of triglyceride

Question 7

Answer: B

Explanation:

Ethanol produces the least energy per litre then the alkanes in order of size, propane, petrol then
petrodiesel.

Question 8

Answer: C

Explanation:

Bioethanol sources such as wheat require CO2 while growing as photosynthesis is occurring.
When used as fuels, the CO2 is emitted.

Question 9

Answer: D

Explanation:

Biodiesel has some dipoles hence its melting point and viscosity are higher. The presence of
oxygen also lowers its storage life.

Question 10

Answer: B

Explanation:

A fatty acid is a long carboxylic acid molecule.

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2017 CHEMISTRY KEY TOPIC TEST

SECTION B: Short-answer questions

Question 1
a. i. Monounsaturated, as one double carbon-to-carbon bond
ii. More likely plant if unsaturated.
1 + 1 = 2 marks
b.
H H H H H H H H

H C C C C C C C C O
H H H H H H
H H H H H H H
H C O H C C C C C C C

H H H H H H H
O

2 marks

c. Supplies of it can be replenished in a relatively short period of time.

1 mark
d. Biodiesel contains a dipole around the oxygen atoms. While this is only one end of the
molecule, it does allow for some hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Diesel is more
non-polar.
2 marks

e. i. Biodiesel has a higher melting point than petrodiesel. It crystallises at low temperatures
and eventually freezes.
ii. CO2 is absorbed while plants grow. Biodiesel often has less sulfur and other
contaminants than petrodiesel.
1 + 2 = 3 marks
Total 10 marks

Question 2

a. chemical potential  thermal  thermal of steam  mechanical  electrical

2 marks

b. i. The efficiency of gas-fired plants can be up to 20% higher than that of coal-fired stations.

ii. Gas-fired power stations release less pollutants as they are cleaner. Sulfur levels are lower
leading to less SO2 and the level of particulates is lower. If gas-fired plants are more
efficient, less fuel needs to be burnt to produce the same energy.

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2017 CHEMISTRY KEY TOPIC TEST

iii. Gas can be transported in pipes – this is fairly simple. Gas also contains less impurities so
transport is more profitable.
1 + 2 + 1 = 4 marks

c. Gas-fired plants can be turned on and producing electricity very quickly. This helps maintain
sufficient energy in the grid. Coal fired plants take longer to start and to vary the energy
output.
1 mark
Total 7 marks

Question 3
a. i. Wheat, sugar cane, potatoes
ii. H H

H C C O H

H H

iii. C6H12O6(aq)  2C2H6O(aq) + 2CO2(g)

1 + 1 + 1 = 3 marks

b. C2H6O(l) + 3O2(g)  2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l)

1 mark

c. i. Ethanol produces at least 10% less energy per litre than petrol.
ii. Bioethanol produces less emissions than petrol. It is a cleaner fuel with less sulfur and less
particulates. CO2 is also absorbed when the glucose is manufactured in the first place.
1 + 2 = 3 marks
Total 7 marks

Question 4
a. Sewage. It is added to an anaerobic digestor where bacteria decomposes organic matter to
methane and other gases
2 marks

b. Methane 67%, CO2 30%, N2 3%

2 marks

c. Biogas is often burnt in an electricity generator where it produces electrical energy.

1 mark
Total 5 marks

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2017 CHEMISTRY KEY TOPIC TEST

Question 5
a. i. Deposits of crude oil or natural gas
ii. fractional distillation
iii. propane and butane
1 + 1 + 1 = 3marks

b. i. oxygen

ii. CO2, H2O, NO, particulates, CO

1 + 1 = 2 marks
Total 5 marks

Question 6
a. i. A well is sunk into the deposit of coal or shale oil. Water, sand or chemicals are pumped
into the deposit via this well. The water or chemicals fracture the rock and free the
natural gas.

ii. Contamination of local water supplies.

2 + 1 = 3 marks

b. i. C(s) + O2(g)  CO2(g)

ii. Some of the energy released from the coal goes into boiling water to remove the water.
The high specific heat capacity of water means the amount of energy required is
significant.
1 + 2 = 3 marks
Total 6 marks

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