Photo AI
The search for a cleaner source of harvesting electrical energy has made headlines for a while - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 2
The search for a cleaner source of harvesting electrical energy has made headlines for a while. More attention is also being given to using the ocean for electricity... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The search for a cleaner source of harvesting electrical energy has made headlines for a while - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Draw a line graph to show the average volume of hydrogen captured during electrolysis for different salinities of water.
Answer
To accurately draw the line graph, follow these steps:
- Title the graph: 'Average Volume of Hydrogen Captured vs. Salinity'.
- Set the X-axis as 'Salinity (ppt)' with values 0, 20, 40, 60, 80.
- Set the Y-axis as 'Average Volume of Hydrogen (m/min)' with values from 0 to 90.
- Plot the points from the table: (0, 8), (20, 24), (40, 49), (60, 83).
- Connect the points with a line to show the trend.
Step 4
Based on the results of this study, describe the relationship between the salinity and the volume of hydrogen captured.
Answer
The results indicate a positive correlation between salinity and the average volume of hydrogen captured. As salinity increases, the volume of hydrogen produced during electrolysis also increases, suggesting that saltier solutions may enhance the efficiency of the electrolysis process.
Step 5
Discuss the molecular structure of a water molecule.
Answer
A water molecule (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a polar molecule with a slight negative charge near the oxygen and a slight positive charge near the hydrogens. The bond angle between the hydrogen-oxygen-hydrogen atoms is approximately 105°, resulting in a bent shape that contributes to water's unique properties, such as high surface tension and its role as an excellent solvent.
Step 6
Why would it be beneficial to use sea water instead of freshwater as an alternative source of energy?
Answer
Using sea water for electrolysis presents several benefits:
- Abundance: Sea water is widely available and abundant, making it a more sustainable option compared to freshwater, which is becoming scarce.
- Environmental Impact: Electrolysis of sea water can potentially reduce the environmental strain on freshwater sources, helping to preserve ecosystems.
Step 7
In your opinion, is electrolysis of salt water a sustainable alternative to clean energy? Give TWO reasons to support your answer.
Answer
Yes, electrolysis of salt water is a sustainable alternative to clean energy for several reasons:
- Renewable Resource: The ocean is a vast and renewable resource that can provide a constant supply of salt water for electrolysis, contributing to a sustainable energy cycle.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Utilizing salt water for hydrogen production can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions and contributing positively to addressing climate change.