Why is crude oil important as a source of new materials?: OCR GCSE Combined Science B questions

Every OCR GCSE Combined Science B exam question on C3.4 Why is crude oil important as a source of new materials?, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 91 questions on Why is crude oil important as a source of new materials?, as a list

June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(a) (1 mark): State one way in which modern life is dependent upon hydrocarbons. [1]
June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(b) (2 marks): The alkanes are all hydrocarbons with a general formula CnH2n+2. What is the molecular formula of the alkane with 8 carbon atoms? [2]
June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(i) (1 mark): Describe the trend in melting points shown in the table. [1]
June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(ii) (1 mark): The alkane with 6 carbons has a melting point of – 95 °C and a boiling point of 69 °C. Predict the state of this alkane at 20 °C. [1]
June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(iii) (2 marks): Plot the results from the table on the graph. Three points have already been plotted. 190 170 150 130 Boiling 110 point (°C) 90 70 50 30 5 6 7 8 9 10 Number of
June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(iv) (1 mark): Draw a straight line of best fit. [1]
June 2025, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(v) (1 mark): Use the graph to estimate the boiling point of the alkane with 8 carbon atoms. Boiling point = °C [1]
June 2025, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q8(d)(i) (2 marks): One gas that forms when diesel burns is sulfur dioxide. Explain one problem caused by increased amounts of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. [2]
June 2025, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q8(d)(ii) (1 mark): Carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide are also formed when diesel burns. Catalytic converters help to decrease these emissions into the atmosphere by converting
June 2024, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(a) (1 mark): Define a hydrocarbon. [1]
June 2024, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(b)(i) (1 mark): Which property is used to separate hydrocarbons by fractional distillation? Put a ring around the correct option. Boiling point Hardness Reactivity Solubility [
June 2024, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(b)(ii) (4 marks): Complete the sentences to explain how separation occurs in the fractionating column. Use words from the list. Atoms Cooler Condense Hotter Less Molecules More V
June 2024, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(c)(i) (1 mark): Complete the equation to show the formula of the second product. C12H26 C6H12 + [1]
June 2024, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(c)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why C6H12 is not an alkane. [1]
June 2024, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(d) (5 marks): Other types of formula can be used to show hydrocarbon molecules. The table shows examples of these formulae. Complete the table. Molecular Empirical Alkane Dis
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Give one reason why modern life depends on crude oil. [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): Give one reason why we cannot depend on crude oil in the future. [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): How many covalent bonds does each carbon atom form? [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(b)(ii) (1 mark): Which statement explains why carbon can form so many different compounds? Tick (3) one box. It forms chains and rings with other carbons. It is a natural elemen
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(i) (1 mark): What is the formula of the alkane with five carbons? [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(c)(ii) (1 mark): Hexane has the formula C6H14. What is its empirical formula? [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(d)(i) (3 marks): Complete the table. [3]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q6(e) (2 marks): Umi wants to check the melting point of the poly(ethene). They have a sample of solid poly(ethene) in a test tube. Poly(ethene) Describe how they can measure th
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q4(a) (2 marks): Explain how modern life is dependent on hydrocarbons from crude oil. [2]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Cracking is used to turn the longer-chain hydrocarbons into more useful products. Describe how the products of cracking are more useful than the long chain hydr
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): When decane, C10H22, is cracked, one of the products is ethene, C2H4. Complete the symbol equation to show the formula of the other product. C10H22 C2H4 + [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q4(c) (6 marks): Crude oil is a mixture of different length hydrocarbon chains. (c)* The mixture of hydrocarbons in crude oil is separated using fractional distillation. The dia
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q9(c)(i) (1 mark): Complete Table 9.2 by showing the 2-D model of propane. [1]
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q9(c)(ii) (1 mark): All these models show the number of each atom and the order in which the atoms are joined together. Describe one limitation of representing the structure of pro
June 2023, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q9(c)(iii) (1 mark): The empirical formula shows the simplest ratio of atoms in a molecule. What is the empirical formula of ethane? [1]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table to show the missing molecular formula and empirical formula. [2]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(a)(ii) (1 mark): Predict the boiling point for the compound with 7 carbon atoms. Boiling point = °C [1]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(a)(iii) (2 marks): Predict the state of the 5 carbon compound at room temperature (20 °C). Explain your answer. State Explanation [2]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Give two other characteristics of a homologous series that are shown in the table. 1 2 [2]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): Complete the sentences to describe the compounds present in crude oil that are shown in the table. Put a ring around each correct answer. Crude oil is a mixture
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table to show the missing molecular formula and empirical formula. [2]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Predict the boiling point for the compound with 7 carbon atoms. Boiling point = °C [1]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Predict the state of the 5 carbon compound at room temperature (20 °C). Explain your answer. State Explanation [2]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Give two other characteristics of a homologous series that are shown in the table. 1 2 [2]
June 2022, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(b)(ii) (3 marks): Complete the sentences to describe the compounds present in crude oil that are shown in the table. Put a ring around each correct answer. Crude oil is a mixture
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(a) (1 mark): How is crude oil separated into fractions? Put a ring around the correct answer. Cracking Crystallisation Filtration Fractional distillation Titration [1]
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Name two fractions where the percentage of fraction needed is greater than the percentage in crude oil. and [2]
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(ii) (1 mark): Which three fractions in the table contain C10H22? Put a ring around the correct answers. Diesel Fuel oil Gas Naphtha Paraffin Petrol [1]
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): A process is used to break down larger molecules into smaller molecules. What is the name of this process? Put a ring around the correct answer. Cracking Crysta
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(iv) (2 marks): The process in (b)(iii) is used to break down naphtha to make petrol. Give two reasons why naphtha is broken down to make petrol. Use data from the table to sup
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(v) (2 marks): A molecule with ten carbon atoms can be broken down into a molecule with eight carbon atoms and one other molecule. Complete the symbol equation to show the for
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(c)(i) (2 marks): Which two structures have the formula C8H18? Tick (✓) two boxes. A B C D E [2]
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): Which structure is an alkene? Give one reason for your answer. Structure Reason [2]
November 2021, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(d) (1 mark): Crude oil is a finite source of hydrocarbons. Define finite. [1]
November 2021, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q9(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete Fig. 9.2 to show where the three fractions diesel oil, kerosene and petrol would be collected in the fractionating tower. Cool (25 °C) Refinery gases N
November 2021, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q9(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why naphtha is collected above fuel oil in the fractionating tower. [2]
November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete Fig. 2.2 to show where the three fractions diesel oil, kerosene and petrol would be collected in the fractionating tower. Cool (25 °C) Refinery gases N
November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why naphtha is collected above fuel oil in the fractionating tower. [2]
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(a)(i) (1 mark): Hydrocarbons contain carbon and one other element. What is the name of the other element? Put a ring around the correct answer. bromine chlorine hydrogen oxygen
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(a)(ii) (4 marks): Most hydrocarbons in crude oil are in the alkanes homologous series. Which properties of the members in a homologous series are true and which are false? Tick (
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(a)(iii) (2 marks): Why is crude oil an important resource for the chemical industry? Tick (3) two boxes. It is a black, sticky liquid. It can be made into lots of other chemicals.
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q7(b) (6 marks): Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons. (b)* Crude oil is separated into fractions using fractional distillation. The fractional distillation of crude oil is ca
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): How many bonds does carbon form when it makes molecules? [1]
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): Give two reasons why carbon forms molecules of many different shapes and sizes. 1 2 [2]
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q5(b)(i) (1 mark): Members of the alkane homologous series all have the general formula, CnH2n+2. What is the formula of the alkane with 6 carbon atoms? [1]
November 2020, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Give two other properties of a homologous series. 1. 2. [2]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q10(a)(i) (3 marks): Complete the blank spaces in Table 10.1 to show the missing formulae. [3]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q10(a)(ii) (2 marks): Which statements about a structural formula are true and which are false? Tick (3) one box in each row. Statement True False It shows the simplest ratio of atom
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q10(b)(i) (1 mark): Predict the boiling point of hexane. Use the data in Table 10.1 to help you. Boiling point = °C [1]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q10(b)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why it is difficult to use the data in Table 10.1 to predict the melting point of butane. [1]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q10(b)(iii) (2 marks): What is the state of pentane at 25 °C? Explain your answer. State: Explanation: [2]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q10(b)(iv) (2 marks): Explain the trend in boiling points in Table 10.1. Use ideas about energy and intermolecular forces in your answer. [2]
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain why the burning hydrocarbons in the oil produce thick black smoke. [2]
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): The hydrocarbon fractions in crude oil are separated by fractional distillation. Complete the sentences about fractional distillation. Use words from the list.
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q6(b) (4 marks): Some ships carry condensate oil, rather than crude oil. Fig. 6.1 shows the composition of fractions in crude oil and condensate oil. Key 100 90 LPG 80 Petrol 70
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q6(c)(i) (1 mark): Which statement best explains why there is a range of temperatures for the boiling point of crude oil and condensate oil? Tick (✓) one box. Crude oil and conden
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q6(c)(ii) (3 marks): Some people conclude that condensate oil is more dangerous to carry than crude oil. Evaluate this conclusion. Use the data in the table to support your answer.
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(a)(i) (3 marks): Complete the blank spaces in Table 1.1 to show the missing formulae. [3]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Which statements about a structural formula are true and which are false? Tick (3) one box in each row. Statement True False It shows the simplest ratio of atom
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Predict the boiling point of hexane. Use the data in Table 1.1 to help you. Boiling point = °C [1]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(b)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why it is difficult to use the data in Table 1.1 to predict the melting point of butane. [1]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(b)(iii) (2 marks): What is the state of pentane at 25 °C? Explain your answer. State: Explanation: [2]
June 2019, Chemistry Paper 6 Higher, Q1(b)(iv) (2 marks): Explain the trend in boiling points in Table 1.1. Use ideas about energy and intermolecular forces in your answer. [2]
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain why the burning hydrocarbons in the oil produce thick black smoke. [2]
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): The hydrocarbon fractions in crude oil are separated by fractional distillation. Complete the sentences about fractional distillation. Use the words from the li
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q1(b) (4 marks): Some ships carry condensate oil, rather than crude oil. Fig. 1.1 shows the composition of fractions in crude oil and condensate oil. 100 Key 90 LPG 80 Petrol 70
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q1(c)(i) (1 mark): Which statement best explains why there is a range of temperatures for the boiling point of crude oil and condensate oil? Tick (✓) one box. Crude oil and conden
June 2019, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q1(c)(ii) (3 marks): Some people conclude that condensate oil is more dangerous to carry than crude oil. Evaluate this conclusion. Use the data in the table to support your answer.
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(a) (1 mark): What name is given to compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms? Put a ring around the correct answer. Acids Crystals Hydrocarbons Salts Starch [1]
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe how the formulae of the compounds change as the molecules of alkanes get larger. [2]
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(ii) (3 marks): Which compound is a liquid at 20 °C? Use the data in the table to explain your answer. [3]
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(iii) (2 marks): What are the general trends in melting points and boiling points of alkanes as the molecules get larger? [2]
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b)(iv) (2 marks): Which alkane does not fit the general trend in melting and boiling points? Explain your reasoning. [2]
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(c) (2 marks): All alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2. What is the formula for the alkane that has 8 carbon atoms? [2]
June 2018, Chemistry Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(d) (1 mark): Chemists use a range of different separating techniques to separate mixtures. Which method is used to separate the alkanes in crude oil? Put a ring around the c
June 2018, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q3(d) (2 marks): Ethanol can be made industrially from ethene. The chemical reaction is shown below. ethene + water ethanol C2H4 (g) + H2O (g) CH3CH2OH (g) The reaction is carri

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