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Date May 2017 Marks available 1 Reference code 17M.3.sl.TZ2.14
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Construct Question number 14 Adapted from N/A

Question

The combustion of fossil fuels produces large amounts of CO2, a greenhouse gas.

The diagram below illustrates a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Synthesis gas, or syngas, mainly composed of CO(g) and H2(g), is an alternative form of fuel. It can be produced by coal or biomass gasification, passing steam over the source material in a low oxygen environment.

Identify which region, A or B, corresponds to each type of radiation by completing the table.

[1]
a.

Oceans can act as a carbon sink, removing some CO2(g) from the atmosphere.

CO2(g) \( \rightleftharpoons \) CO2(aq)

Aqueous carbon dioxide, CO2(aq), quickly reacts with ocean water in a new equilibrium reaction. Construct the equilibrium equation for this reaction including state symbols.

[1]
b.i.

Describe how large amounts of CO2 could reduce the pH of the ocean using an equation to support your answer.

[2]
b.ii.

Suggest an equation for the production of syngas from coal.

[1]
c.i.

The Fischer-Tropsch process, an indirect coal liquefaction method, converts CO(g) and H2(g) to larger molecular weight hydrocarbons and steam.

Deduce the equation for the production of octane by this process.

[1]
c.ii.

Suggest a reason why syngas may be considered a viable alternative to crude oil.

[1]
c.iii.

Markscheme

 

Accept “B” alone for incoming radiation from sun.

All three correct answers necessary for mark.

[1 mark]

a.

CO2(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) H2CO3(aq)

 

State symbols AND equilibrium arrow required for mark.

Accept

CO2(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) H+(aq) + HCO3(aq).

CO2(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) 2H+(aq) + CO32–(aq).

[1 mark]

b.i.

CO2(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) 2H+(aq) + CO32–(aq)
OR
CO2(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) H+(aq) + HCO3(aq)
OR
H2CO3(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) H3O+(aq) + HCO3(aq)
OR
H2CO3(aq) \( \rightleftharpoons \) H+(aq) + HCO3(aq)
OR
H2CO3(aq) + 2H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) 2H3O+(aq) + CO32–(aq)
OR
H2CO3(aq) \( \rightleftharpoons \) 2H+(aq) + CO32–(aq)

equilibrium shifts to the right causing increase in [H3O+]/[H] «thereby decreasing pH»

 

Equilibrium sign needed in (b) (ii) but penalize missing equilibrium sign once only in b (i) and (ii).

Do not accept “CO2(aq) + H2O(l) \( \rightleftharpoons \) H2CO3(aq)” unless equation was not given in b (i).

[2 marks]

b.ii.

C(s) + H2O(g) → CO(g) + H2(g)
OR
3C(s) + H2O(g) + O2(g) → 3CO(g) + H2(g)
OR
4C(s) + 2H2O(g) + O2(g) → 4CO(g) + 2H2(g)
OR
5C(s) + H2O(g) + 2O2(g) → 5CO(g) + H2(g)

 

Accept other correctly balanced equations which produce both CO AND H2.

[1 mark]

c.i.

8CO(g) + 17H2(g) → C8H18(l) + 8H2O(g)

[1 mark]

c.ii.

coal more plentiful than crude oil
OR
syngas can be produced from biomass/renewable source
OR
syngas can undergo liquefaction to form octanes/no need to transport crude
OR
syngas can be produced by gasification underground, using carbon
OR
capture/storage «to not release CO2 to the atmosphere»
OR
coal gasification produces other usable products/slag

[1 mark]

c.iii.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.i.
[N/A]
b.ii.
[N/A]
c.i.
[N/A]
c.ii.
[N/A]
c.iii.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 8: Acids and bases » 8.4 Strong and weak acids and bases
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