SAC Task: Response to stimulus material Outcome 1 Unit 3 LNG and the Australian electricity grid

Background

Late last year severe storms hit South Australia damaging electricity pylons. Large sections of the state were without electrical power for up to several days. As a follow-up, very hot conditions during the summer led to further black-outs in South Australia as electricity demand outstripped supply. In March of this year, the debate on our national electricity grid has continued as politicians argue about possible infrastructure changes.

TaskFor this task you are provided with some articles relevant to this discussion. You will have one period to read these articles and to research the background to these articles on the internet. You will then have one period to answer the set questions.

South Australia blackouts

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The chemistry course has been written with a view to ensuring that the topics covered are also ones that are relevant to society. We live in a world where chemistry has an important part to play. In this task you are asked to reflect and research a topic that has been in the media this year – LNG and the national electricity grid.

2017 CHEMISTRY SCHOOL-ASSESSED COURSEWORK

South Australian coal

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Current mix

South Australian Solution

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LNG issues

Questions

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South Australian scenario

1. Describe the current mix used by South Australia to produce its electricity.

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______________________________________________________________________2 marks

2. Two large coal-fired plants in south Australia have been closed recently. Explain in detail why they were closed despite a looming power crisis.

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______________________________________________________________________2 marks

3. Explain how the solution proposed for south Australia is expected to work.

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______________________________________________________________________2 marks

Gas-Fired power

4. a. Explain how electrical energy is generated from gas.

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b. What energy transformations occur during this process?

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5. a. Write a balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of methane.

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b. Write a balanced equation for the incomplete combustion of methane to form carbon monoxide.

_______________________________________________________________________1 + 1 = 2 marks

Emissions

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6. Gas fired power stations are considered a cleaner form of energy than coal fired power stations. Compare the emesiions from both plants.

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________________________________________________________________________3 marks

7. a. Use your Data book to calcualte the mass of methane that needs to undergo complete combustion for 1.00 MJ of energy to be produced. (Assume 100% conversion)

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b. Calculate the volume of CO2 that will produced at SLC during this energy production.

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________________________________________________________________________2 +3 = 5 marks

Fracking

8. a. What levels of gas reserves does Australia currently have?

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b. Future gas use in Australia is likely to involve fracking. Explain carefully how fracking works?

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c. Why is fracking banned in states like Victoria?

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________________________________________________________________________2 + 3 + 2 = 7 marks

9. a. Explain why LNG is liquefied before export.

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b. How is LNG liquefied?

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c. Explain clearly why the production of LNG is affecting Queensland electricity prices.

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d. Explain clearly why the production of LNG is affecting Victorian gas prices.

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________________________________________________________________________2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8 marks

10. a. Write a balanced equation for the main reaction occurring when coal is burnt.

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b. Calculate the mass of carbon required to produce 1 MJ of energy during complete combustion.

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________________________________________________________________________2 + 2 = 4 marks

END OF TASK BOOK

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