HOTS questions - Coal and petroleum - Class 8 Science

Posted by Olympiad Tester on Mar 21, 2023

HOTS Questions - Class 8 Science - Coal and petroleum

These HOTS questions on 'Coal and petroleum' for Class 8 will test the Higher Order Thinking Skills in Science of CBSE students and NSO Science Olympiad aspirants.

Q1) Which of the following fossil fuels is formed from the remains of plants and animals?

a) Coal

b) Petroleum

c) Natural gas

d) All of the above

Answer: d

Explanation: Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are all fossil fuels that are formed from the remains of plants and animals over millions of years.

Q2) Which type of coal is the lowest in carbon content?

a) Lignite

b) Bituminous

c) Anthracite

d) Peat

Answer: a

Explanation: Lignite is a low-grade coal that is brown in color and has the lowest carbon content of all coal types.

Q3) Which of the following is not a product of petroleum?

a) Diesel

b) Kerosene

c) Natural gas

d) Plastic

Answer: c

Explanation: Natural gas is a separate fossil fuel that is often found along with petroleum, but it is not a product of petroleum.

Q4) What is the primary use of natural gas?

a) Fuel for transportation

b) Generating electricity

c) Cooking and heating

d) Manufacturing plastic products

Answer: c

Explanation: Natural gas is primarily used for cooking and heating in homes and businesses.

Q5) Which rare gas is found in very small quantities in the earth's atmosphere?

a) Helium

b) Neon

c) Argon

d) Xenon

Answer: d

Explanation: Xenon is a rare gas that is found in very small quantities in the earth's atmosphere.

Q6) What is the process called by which crude oil is separated into different components?

a) Distillation

b) Oxidation

c) Fractionation

d) Cracking

Answer: a

Explanation: The process by which crude oil is separated into different components based on their boiling points is called distillation.

Q7) Which of the following is not a natural resource?

a) Coal

b) Petroleum

c) Plastic

d) Natural gas

Answer: c

Explanation: Plastic is a synthetic material that is made from petroleum, which is a natural resource.

Q8) Which of the following is not a common use of coal?

a) Electricity generation

b) Steel production

c) Road construction

d) Heating homes

Answer: c

Explanation: Coal is primarily used for electricity generation, steel production, and heating homes. It is not commonly used in road construction.

Q9) Which of the following is not a product of crude oil?

a) Gasoline

b) Diesel

c) Plastic

d) Natural gas

Answer: d

Explanation: Natural gas is a separate fossil fuel from crude oil, although it is often found alongside crude oil deposits.

Q10) Which of the following is a disadvantage of using petroleum-based fuels?

a) They are highly flammable

b) They are non-renewable

c) They produce noxious fumes when burned

d) They are difficult to transport

Answer: a, b, c

Explanation: Petroleum-based fuels have three major disadvantages. Firstly, they are highly flammable and can pose a safety risk. Secondly, they are non-renewable, meaning that they will eventually run out and cannot be replaced once depleted. Thirdly, they produce noxious fumes when burned, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, which can have harmful effects on the environment and human health. However, they are generally considered easy to transport via pipelines, trucks, trains, and ships, making them highly accessible and widely available.

Q11) Which of the following is not a way that coal is mined?

a) Open-pit mining

b) Underground mining

c) Strip mining

d) Offshore drilling

Answer: d

Explanation: Offshore drilling is a method used to extract petroleum from under the ocean floor, not coal.

Q12) Which of the following is a byproduct of refining petroleum?

a) Kerosene

b) Asphalt

c) Propane

d) All of the above

Answer: d

Explanation: Kerosene, asphalt, and propane are all products that can be obtained through the refining of crude oil.

Q13) Which of the following is the highest grade of coal?

a) Lignite

b) Bituminous

c) Anthracite

d) Peat

Answer: c

Explanation: Anthracite is the highest grade of coal and is hard, shiny, and black in color. It contains the highest percentage of carbon and has the highest energy content of all coal types.

Q14) Which of the following is the primary component of natural gas?

a) Methane

b) Ethane

c) Propane

d) Butane

Answer: a

Explanation: Methane is the primary component of natural gas, accounting for up to 90% of its composition. Ethane, propane, and butane are also present in smaller amounts.

Q15) Which of the following is the main use of petroleum?

a) Cooking

b) Transportation

c) Electricity generation

d) Construction

Answer: b

Explanation: The main use of petroleum is for transportation, as it is refined into gasoline, diesel, and other fuels that power vehicles and airplanes.

Q16) Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?

a) Wind energy

b) Solar energy

c) Coal

d) Geothermal energy

Answer: c

Explanation: Coal is a non-renewable resource, meaning that it cannot be replaced once it has been used up. Wind energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy are all renewable resources that can be replenished naturally.

Q17) Which of the following is a common byproduct of burning coal?

a) Carbon dioxide

b) Oxygen

c) Nitrogen

d) Water vapor

Answer: a

Explanation: A common byproduct of burning coal is carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor may also be released, but they are not as significant as carbon dioxide.

Q18) Explain how the judicious use of fossil fuels can help in conserving them.

Answer: The judicious use of fossil fuels can help in conserving them by reducing the rate of consumption. This can be achieved by adopting practices such as carpooling, using public transportation, using energy-efficient appliances and equipment, and turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Additionally, the use of alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power can help in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Q19) What are some tips to save petrol/diesel/natural gas while driving?

Answer: Some tips to save petrol/diesel/natural gas while driving include:

Driving at a steady speed instead of accelerating and braking frequently
Reducing the weight of the vehicle by removing unnecessary items
Using the air conditioning sparingly
Maintaining the vehicle regularly to ensure that it is running efficiently
Checking tyre pressure regularly to ensure that they are properly inflated
Avoiding unnecessary idling of the vehicle

Q20) How does burning of fuels contribute to global warming?

Answer: Burning of fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. The increase in global temperatures can cause a range of negative effects such as melting of polar ice caps, rise in sea levels, and extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts.

Q21) What are the products obtained and their uses when coal is processed in industry?

Answer: The products obtained when coal is processed in industry include coke, coal tar, and coal gas. Coke is a fuel used in blast furnaces to produce iron and steel. Coal tar is used to produce chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which are used in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes. Coal gas is used as a fuel for lighting and heating.

Q22) Why is petrol an exhaustible natural resource, whereas sunlight is not? Explain.

Answer: Petrol is an exhaustible natural resource because it is a non-renewable resource that is formed over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals. Once it is extracted and consumed, it cannot be replaced. On the other hand, sunlight is not exhaustible because it is a renewable resource that is constantly being replenished by the sun's energy.

Q23) What are some important uses of the various constituents of petroleum such as LPG, petrol, kerosene, diesel, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, and bitumen?

Answer:

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is used as a fuel for heating, cooking, and as a fuel for vehicles.
Petrol is used as a fuel for cars and other vehicles, as well as for certain types of machinery.
Kerosene is used as a fuel for lighting and heating, as well as for certain types of machinery.
Diesel is used as a fuel for cars, trucks, and other vehicles, as well as for certain types of machinery.
Lubricating oil is used to reduce friction between moving parts in machinery and vehicles

Q24) From the given statements, choose the incorrect one.

a) Coal is a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago

b) Petroleum is a non-renewable resource that is formed from the remains of marine organisms that died millions of years ago

c) LPG is a gas commonly used for cooking and heating in homes and businesses

d) Solar energy is a finite resource that will eventually be exhausted

Answer: d

Explanation: Solar energy is actually a renewable resource that will not be exhausted as long as the sun continues to exist.

Q25) From the given statements, choose the incorrect one.

a) Coal is primarily used to generate electricity

b) Petroleum-based fuels are renewable resources

c) Kerosene is used as fuel for stoves, lamps, and jet aircraft

d) Diesel is used as fuel for heavy motor vehicles and electric generators

Answer: b

Explanation: Petroleum-based fuels are actually non-renewable resources.

Q26) From the given statements, choose the incorrect one.

a) Coal mining can cause environmental damage and pollution

b) Petroleum is used to make products such as plastics, fertilizers, and medicines

c) Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane

d) Petrol is a liquid fuel that is commonly used in automobiles

Answer: b

Explanation: Petroleum is not used to make fertilizers, but it is used to make a variety of other products such as plastics, medicines, and synthetic fibers.

Q27) Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the usage of coal and petroleum?

a) Coal is used as a fuel for power generation

b) Petroleum-based fuels are renewable resources

c) Kerosene is used as a fuel for stoves, lamps, and jet aircraft

d) LPG is used as fuel in homes and industries

Answer: b

Explanation: Petroleum-based fuels are non-renewable resources. They are formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic matter and cannot be replaced once depleted.

Q28) Which of the following statements about coal is incorrect?

a) Coal is a fossil fuel

b) Coal is used as fuel for power generation

c) Coal can be easily replaced by renewable energy sources

d) Coal mining can have negative impacts on the environment and human health

Answer: c

Explanation: The statement "Coal can be easily replaced by renewable energy sources" is incorrect. While renewable energy sources are being increasingly utilized, coal remains a major source of energy and cannot be easily replaced in many industries and applications.

Q29) Which of the following statements about petroleum is incorrect?

a) Petroleum is a fossil fuel

b) Petrol is used as fuel for vehicles

c) Petroleum is a finite resource

d) Petroleum-based fuels do not have any negative environmental impact

Answer: d

Explanation: The statement "Petroleum-based fuels do not have any negative environmental impact" is incorrect. Burning of fossil fuels like petroleum is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change.

Q30) Which of the following statements about coal and petroleum is incorrect?

a) Both coal and petroleum are fossil fuels

b) Coal and petroleum are finite resources

c) Coal and petroleum have no negative impact on the environment

d) Both coal and petroleum can be processed to obtain different products

Answer: c

Explanation: The statement "Coal and petroleum have no negative impact on the environment" is incorrect. Both coal and petroleum have significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Q31) Which of the following statements about the uses of coal is incorrect?

a) Coal is used as fuel for power generation

b) Coal can be used to produce steel

c) Coal can be used to produce electricity

d) Coal cannot be used to produce any useful products other than energy

Answer: d

Explanation: The statement "Coal cannot be used to produce any useful products other than energy" is incorrect. Coal can be processed to obtain a variety of useful products, including chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers.

HOTS Comprehension - Coal and petroluem - Passage 1

Coal and petroleum are two of the most important non-renewable resources used by humans. Coal is formed from ancient plant material that was buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Petroleum, on the other hand, is formed from the remains of marine organisms that lived millions of years ago.

Coal is primarily used as a fuel for electricity generation, but it also has a number of other industrial uses. It can be used to produce steel, cement, and other materials. In addition, coal is used in some chemical processes and as a source of heat in homes and businesses.

Petroleum is primarily used as a fuel for transportation. It is refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. These products power cars, trucks, airplanes, and other vehicles. In addition, petroleum is used to produce plastics, synthetic fabrics, and other products.

While coal and petroleum are important resources, their use also has significant environmental impacts. Burning these fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change. In addition, extracting and transporting coal and petroleum can have negative impacts on local environments and communities.

Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to reduce the environmental impacts of coal and petroleum use. For example, there are ongoing efforts to develop cleaner and more efficient ways of using these resources, such as carbon capture and storage for coal-fired power plants.

Q1) What is coal primarily used for?

a) Transportation

b) Electricity generation

c) Producing plastics

d) None of the above

Answer: b

Explanation: Coal is primarily used as a fuel for electricity generation, but it also has other industrial uses.

Q2) What is petroleum primarily used for?

a) Electricity generation

b) Transportation

c) Producing plastics

d) None of the above

Answer: b

Explanation: Petroleum is primarily used as a fuel for transportation, but it also has other industrial uses.

Q3) What is the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels?

a) It has no impact on the environment

b) It can lead to the release of greenhouse gases

c) It can improve air quality

d) None of the above

Answer: b

Explanation: Burning fossil fuels like coal and petroleum releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

Q4) What are some negative impacts of coal and petroleum extraction?

a) Positive impacts on local environments and communities

b) Negative impacts on local environments and communities

c) No impact on local environments and communities

d) None of the above

Answer: b

Explanation: Extracting and transporting coal and petroleum can have negative impacts on local environments and communities, such as pollution and habitat destruction.

Q5) What are some efforts underway to reduce the environmental impacts of coal and petroleum use?

a) There are no efforts underway

b) Developing cleaner and more efficient ways of using these resources

c) Increasing coal and petroleum production

d) None of the above

PDF Sample papers - Coal and petroluem - Class 8 Science

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Revision notes - CBSE Class 8 Science - Coal and petoleum

Introduction: Coal and petroleum are two important fossil fuels that are used extensively for various purposes. They are formed by the decomposition of dead organisms that lived millions of years ago. These fossil fuels are non-renewable and take millions of years to form. In this chapter, we will discuss the properties, uses, and importance of coal and petroleum.

Coal: Coal is a black, solid, and combustible mineral that is formed from the remains of ancient plants that grew in swamps and marshes. It is mined from the earth's crust and is primarily used as a fuel for generating electricity. There are different types of coal, including anthracite, bituminous, and lignite. The quality of coal depends on its carbon content, moisture content, and ash content.

Anthracite: This is the highest grade of coal, also known as hard coal, and has the highest carbon content and the lowest moisture content. It burns slowly and produces less smoke and soot, making it ideal for heating homes and businesses. However, it is not commonly used due to its limited availability and high cost.
Bituminous: This is the most common type of coal and has a medium carbon content and a higher moisture content than anthracite. It is widely used for generating electricity, as well as for heating and cooking in homes and businesses.
Lignite: This is the lowest grade of coal, also known as brown coal, and has the lowest carbon content and the highest moisture content. It is primarily used for generating electricity, but produces more emissions than other types of coal due to its lower quality.

Petroleum: Petroleum is a dark, oily liquid that is found deep beneath the earth's surface. It is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms that were buried under sedimentary rocks. Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used for various purposes, including fuel for transportation, heating, and electricity generation. It is also used for producing various products, such as plastics, paints, and lubricants.

Natural Gas: Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons that are found deep beneath the earth's surface. It is primarily composed of methane, but also contains small amounts of other gases, such as ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas is used for various purposes, including heating, cooking, and generating electricity. It is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to coal and petroleum.

Limited Availability of Natural Gases: While natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to coal and petroleum, some natural gases are limited in availability. For example, helium, which is used in various industries, is a non-renewable gas that is found in limited quantities. Similarly, some rare gases, such as neon and xenon, are found in very small quantities in the earth's atmosphere.

Interesting Facts:

The world's largest coal mine is located in Wyoming, USA, and produces over 10% of the world's coal.
The first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1859.
Natural gas was first discovered in China over 2,000 years ago and was used to boil water and make salt.
Coal is responsible for over 40% of the world's electricity generation.
Petroleum is the most traded commodity in the world.

Fossil fuels, including coal and petroleum, are major contributors to climate change. Their extraction, transportation, and combustion release greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the earth's atmosphere and cause global warming. Therefore, it is essential to explore alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which are renewable and do not emit greenhouse gases.

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