4.5 Alternative Fuels

Question 1

How is biodiesel made?

Answer 1

From vegetable oils extracted from plants

Question 2

Name 5 advantages to using biodiesel as a fuel

Answer 2

• less harmful to plants and animals
• breaks down 5x faster
• reduces particulates and sulphur dioxide emitted
• cheaper when diesel runs out
• carbon neutral

Question 3

Name 2 disadvantages to using biodiesel for fuel

Answer 3

• uses large areas of farmland that could be used for food

* if biodiesel freezes it turns into sludge and it useless

Question 4

Name 3 biofuels

Answer 4

• biodiesel
• hydrogen
• ethanol

Question 5

Name 2 places ethanol is made

Answer 5

• sugar cane

* sugar beet

Question 6

Name 2 advantages to using ethanol fuel

Answer 6

• can be added to petrol to save money

* the reaction is reversible and continuous

Question 7

Name 2 disadvantages of using ethanol as fuel

Answer 7

• gives off carbon dioxide

* not a renewable source

Question 8

Name 3 advantages of using hydrogen as a fuel

Answer 8

• burns well (clear flame)
• water is the only product
• no harmful products released

Question 9

Name 3 disadvantages of using hydrogen as a fuel

Answer 9

• produced by electrolysis = lots of electricity
• a gas, so takes up big volumes
• can be condensed in a high pressure cylinder but will explode if the car crashes

Question 10

What are biofuels?

Answer 10

Fuels made from plant or animal products and are renewable