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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
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Step 3
Draw a line graph to show the average volume of hydrogen captured during electrolysis for different salinities of water.
Answer
To draw the line graph, create a graph with the x-axis labeled as 'Salinity (ppt)' and the y-axis labeled as 'Average Volume of Hydrogen Captured (ml/min)'. Plot the points based on the table data and draw a line connecting them 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 that there is a positive correlation between salinity and the volume of hydrogen captured. As the salinity increases, the average volume of hydrogen produced through electrolysis also increases, suggesting that higher salinity solutions are more efficient for hydrogen production.
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, which causes the shared electrons to be pulled closer to the oxygen, making it slightly negative and giving hydrogen atoms a slight positive charge. This polar property allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, leading to unique properties such as high surface tension and solvent capabilities.
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 is beneficial because it is abundant and easily accessible, accounting for about 70% of Earth's surface. In contrast, freshwater resources are limited and becoming increasingly scarce. Additionally, utilizing sea water reduces the competition for freshwater resources that are vital for drinking and agriculture.
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 can be considered a sustainable alternative to clean energy.
- It utilizes abundant resources: Sea water is available globally, meaning it can be consistently accessed for hydrogen production without depleting freshwater sources.
- Reduced environmental impact: Using salt water for electrolysis minimizes the depletion of valuable freshwater resources and can contribute to cleaner energy solutions without sacrificing essential water supplies.