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Answer the following questions with respect to the chemical industry - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question Question 1 - 2013
Question Question 1
Answer the following questions with respect to the chemical industry. (i) Distinguish between the terms feedstock and raw materials in the chemical industry. (ii) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer the following questions with respect to the chemical industry - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
Distinguish between the terms feedstock and raw materials in the chemical industry.
Answer
Raw materials are the inputs that are transformed into products during production, typically including reagents and chemicals. In contrast, feedstock specifically refers to the essential materials used to produce feedstock itself, which is essential for the manufacturing process.
Step 2
Explain whether labour costs are a fixed cost or a variable cost.
Answer
Labour costs can be categorized as fixed costs when they remain constant regardless of production levels, such as salaries for permanent staff. Alternatively, they are considered variable costs when they vary with production levels, such as hourly wages that may increase with additional production.
Step 3
Why are glass and steel widely used as the materials for the reaction vessels in the chemical industry?
Answer
Glass and steel are preferred materials because they are chemically inert and resistant to corrosion. This characteristic allows them to withstand a variety of chemicals and high temperatures, ensuring safety and longevity in reaction processes.
Step 4
Give one advantage of a batch process and one advantage of a continuous process.
Answer
One advantage of a batch process is its versatility, allowing for different products to be produced during different production runs, which can be useful for specialty chemicals. Conversely, continuous processes can achieve higher efficiency and lower operational costs due to constant production without the downtime required for changeovers.
Step 5
Give a reason why the process you chose was located at the site mentioned.
Answer
For ammonia manufacture in Cobh (now closed), the location had access to natural gas (methane) as a raw material, along with good rail infrastructure for transport. This accessibility enhanced the cost-effectiveness of the production process.