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Date May 2019 Marks available 2 Reference code 19M.3.hl.TZ1.17
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Deduce Question number 17 Adapted from N/A

Question

E10 is composed of 10% ethanol and 90% normal unleaded fuel.

Ethanol has a Research Octane Number (RON) of 108.6.

Outline how higher octane fuels affect engine performance.

[1]
a.

Ethanol can be used in a direct-ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) as illustrated by the flow chart.

Deduce the half-equations occurring at electrodes A and B.

Electrode A: 

Electrode B:

[2]
b(i).

State the name and function of X in the diagram in (b)(i).

 

Name:

Function:

[2]
b(ii).

Outline why aqueous ethanol, rather than pure ethanol, is used in a DEFC.

[1]
b(iii).

Biodiesel containing ethanol can be made from renewable resources.

Suggest one environmental disadvantage of producing biodiesel from renewable resources.

[1]
c.

Markscheme

increased AND fuels can be compressed more «before ignition»   [✔]

 

Note: Accept “engines can be designed with higher compression ratio” OR “less chance of pre-ignition/auto-ignition/knocking occurring”.

a.

Electrode A: C2H6O (aq) + 3H2O (l) → 12H+ (aq) + 12e + 2CO2 (g)   [✔]

Electrode B: 3O2 (g) + 12H+ (aq) + 12e → 6H2O (l)    [✔]

 

Note: Accept balanced equations with integer or fractional coefficients.

Penalize equilibrium arrows once only.

b(i).

Name:
PEM/proton-exchange membrane/polymer exchange membrane/polymer electrolyte membrane   [✔]

Function:
allows the passage of protons/H+ ions «from anode to cathode but not electrons or molecules»   [✔]

b(ii).

Any one of:
water is a reactant/allows the cell to operate at a higher concentration of protons/H+ ions
OR
water is a stronger electrolyte and thus produces higher electric current    [✔]

less dangerous/flammable    [✔]

b(iii).

use of «farm» land «for production»
OR
deforestation «for crop production for fuel»
OR
can release more NOx «than normal fuel on combustion»   [✔]

 

Note: Ignore any reference to cost.

c.

Examiners report

One G2 respondent was concerned that “Research Octane Number” was used instead of “Octane Rating”, but most candidates correctly outlined how higher octane fuels affect engine performance.

a.

Some candidates did very well and deduced the half-equations occurring in a DEFC as illustrated in a flow chart. A few used equilibrium arrows and lost a mark. Some candidates failed to balance the half-equations.

b(i).

Was answered well.

b(ii).

Few candidates could outline why aqueous ethanol is used in a DEFC.

b(iii).

Most could suggest one environmental disadvantage of producing biodiesel from renewable resources.

c.

Syllabus sections

Options » C: Energy » C.6 Electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries and fuel cells (HL only)
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Options » C: Energy
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