Q1. Which of the following is primarily used as a fuel for transportation?
a) Asphalt
b) Kerosene
c) Lubricating oil
d) Gasoline
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Correct Answer: d) Gasoline
Explanation: Gasoline is a petroleum-derived fuel that is primarily used to power internal combustion engines in vehicles and is one of the most consumed petroleum products worldwide.
Q2. What is the main purpose of adding lead compounds to gasoline in the past?
a) To increase the octane rating
b) To decrease the octane rating
c) To improve the color of gasoline
d) To reduce the cost of gasoline
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Correct Answer: a) To increase the octane rating
Explanation: Lead compounds, such as tetraethyl lead, were added to gasoline to increase the octane rating, which helps in preventing engine knocking. However, due to environmental and health concerns, leaded gasoline has been largely phased out.
Q3. Which petroleum product is commonly used in the production of plastics?
a) Diesel
b) Naphtha
c) Wax
d) Sulfur
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Correct Answer: b) Naphtha
Explanation: Naphtha is a volatile and flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture used as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry, particularly for the production of plastics and other synthetic materials.
Q4. What is the primary process used to separate crude oil into various components based on their boiling points?
a) Catalytic cracking
b) Alkylation
c) Fractional distillation
d) Hydrocracking
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Correct Answer: c) Fractional distillation
Explanation: Fractional distillation is the primary process used in petroleum refineries to separate crude oil into its various components, such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, based on their different boiling points.
Q5. Which of the following is a heavy residual fuel oil used in ships and industrial plants?
a) Gasoline
b) Kerosene
c) Bunker fuel
d) Naphtha
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Correct Answer: c) Bunker fuel
Explanation: Bunker fuel, also known as fuel oil, is a heavy residual fuel oil used in ships and industrial plants. It is one of the least refined petroleum products and is known for its high sulfur content.
Q6. What is the environmental impact of burning petroleum products?
a) Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
b) Increase in oxygen levels in the atmosphere
c) Depletion of the ozone layer
d) Contribution to air pollution and global warming
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Correct Answer: d) Contribution to air pollution and global warming
Explanation: Burning petroleum products releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and global warming.
Q7. Which refining process converts heavy hydrocarbon fractions into lighter, more valuable products?
a) Catalytic reforming
b) Catalytic cracking
c) Isomerization
d) Desulfurization
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Correct Answer: b) Catalytic cracking
Explanation: Catalytic cracking is a refining process that breaks down heavy hydrocarbon fractions into lighter, more valuable products such as gasoline, by using a catalyst to speed up the chemical reactions.
Q8. What is the primary use of asphalt in the construction industry?
a) Insulation
b) Roofing
c) Paving roads
d) Pipe coating
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Correct Answer: c) Paving roads
Explanation: Asphalt, also known as bitumen, is primarily used in the construction industry for paving roads due to its excellent binding and waterproofing properties.
Q9. Which of the following is not a byproduct of petroleum refining?
a) Petrochemicals
b) Pharmaceuticals
c) Coal
d) Synthetic rubber
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Correct Answer: c) Coal
Explanation: Coal is not a byproduct of petroleum refining. It is a separate type of fossil fuel. Petroleum refining produces various byproducts, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic rubber.
Q10. What is the main environmental concern associated with oil spills?
a) Air pollution
b) Soil fertility enhancement
c) Water contamination
d) Increased land stability
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Correct Answer: c) Water contamination
Explanation: Oil spills are a major environmental concern due to their potential to contaminate water bodies, harm marine life, and disrupt ecosystems.