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Edexcel GCSE Chemistry · 1CH0
Edexcel 1CH0 · 8.4 Check the specification (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Crude oil is a mixture containing many different hydrocarbons. A hydrocarbon is a compound made only from hydrogen and carbon. At a refinery, crude oil is separated into simpler mixtures called . Each fraction contains a range of hydrocarbons and is given a name linked to its uses.
Some fractions are burned as fuels. Burning transfers chemical energy to heat surroundings, move vehicles or generate electricity. Bitumen is different: it is mainly valued as a surfacing material rather than as a fuel.
The gases fraction is used for domestic heating and cooking. For example, it can provide heat in homes for boilers and cookers.
Petrol is used as fuel for cars. It supplies energy to petrol engines; not every car uses it because some have diesel engines or electric motors.
Kerosene is used as fuel for aircraft. It is therefore commonly associated with jet fuel.
Diesel oil is used as fuel for some cars and trains. The word “some” matters: different vehicles and trains may use other energy sources.
Fuel oil is used as fuel for large ships and in some power stations. In a power station, energy released by burning the fuel ultimately helps to generate electricity.
Bitumen is used to surface roads and roofs. On roads it forms a durable surface when combined with aggregate; on roofs it helps provide a protective, water-resistant covering.
| Crude oil fraction | Required use or uses |
|---|---|
| Gases | Domestic heating and cooking |
| Petrol | Fuel for cars |
| Kerosene | Fuel for aircraft |
| Diesel oil | Fuel for some cars and trains |
| Fuel oil | Fuel for large ships and in some power stations |
| Bitumen | Surfacing roads and roofs |
A useful way to organise the list is by purpose: gases are used in the home; petrol, kerosene and diesel oil are transport fuels; fuel oil serves very large engines and some power stations; bitumen provides surfaces rather than being used mainly as a fuel.
Kerosene is the aircraft fuel; diesel oil is used by some cars and trains. Fuel oil is associated with large ships and some power stations. Bitumen is a surfacing material, not one of the required fuel applications.
Match each fraction to the precise use named in the question. In particular, kerosene is aircraft fuel, whereas diesel oil is used by some cars and trains.
Do not describe bitumen as a fuel: its required uses are surfacing roads and roofs.
For a question asking for two uses, give two distinct applications rather than two ways of phrasing the same one.
It can see this note and what your specification asks for.
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