Module 5

Module 5—Hydrocarbons and the Petroleum Industry

Module Summary

 

In Module 5 you considered the following module questions:

• What is petroleum?
  
• What does Alberta’s petroleum industry do?
  
• Where do hydrocarbons come from?
  
• What are hydrocarbons and what makes them such an important class of compounds?
  
• What are some of the processes that occur within Alberta’s petroleum industry?
  
• What impact does the hydrocarbon industry have on Alberta’s economy and environment?

You explored the structure and properties of hydrocarbon molecules, and you learned that natural gas, crude oil, and oil sands are being developed to provide the hydrocarbons used by society.

 

Hydrocarbons are a unique class of molecules that can exist in many forms. In this module you saw that a similar number of carbon and hydrogen atoms can have different arrangements. These arrangements are called isomers. Hydrocarbon molecules, including their isomers, are named according to the systematic naming process, which communicates the important aspects of a molecule’s structure.

 

The structure and arrangement of carbon atoms provide hydrocarbons with unique chemical and physical properties. The natural gas, crude oil, and oil sands refining processes rely on these unique properties and many different reaction types. The physical property of boiling point, for example, is used to refine hydrocarbons.

 

Concept Map or Graphic Organizer

 

As you worked through Module 5, you may have added information to a concept map or graphic organizer based on the module and lesson questions listed in the Module 5 Concept Organizer. Now is a good time to review the relationships in your concept map or graphic organizer and to try to answer the module and lesson questions.

 

A sample Module 5 concept map shows one set of possible links between the questions. Remember that this is one possible description only—there are many other correct possibilities. However, if your completed concept map or graphic organizer differs significantly from the sample, you may wish to contact your teacher or to compare your map or organizer with those of other students in your class. This will ensure that your interpretations of lesson materials and your descriptions are accurate.

 

Module Assessment

 

In this module you investigated the class of molecules called hydrocarbons. In your Module Assessment you will summarize your understanding of the importance of hydrocarbons by preparing a list of five hydrocarbons and their uses. In your list, identify and describe the importance of the five hydrocarbons from a variety of perspectives. You may wish to consult page 45 of the textbook for more information on perspectives.

 

Use the scoring guide provided to plan your response and to revise your work before submitting it to your teacher.

 

Save your completed Assessment in your course folder, and submit a copy to your teacher.

 

Scoring Guide

 

Score	Scoring Description
4 Standard of Excellence	The response is well organized and presents a correct and comprehensive list of hydrocarbons, their uses, and a description of their importance from all perspectives. The response uses appropriate and clear communication strategies. The description of relevant scientific, technological, and/or societal concepts is explicit. Descriptions, explanations, and/or interrelationships between the concepts provided are correct and reflect a thorough understanding.
3	The response is organized and presents a correct and comprehensive list of hydrocarbons, their uses, and a description of their importance from a range of perspectives. The response uses appropriate and clear communication strategies. The description of relevant scientific, technological, and/or societal concepts is well developed. Descriptions, explanations, and/or interrelationships between the concepts provided are correct and reflect a good understanding.
2 Acceptable Standard	The response is generally organized and presents a correct and comprehensive list of hydrocarbons along with a complete list of their uses. The description of their importance focuses on a limited range of perspectives. The response uses generally clear and adequate communication strategies. The description of relevant scientific, technological, and/or societal concepts is mentioned. Descriptions, explanations, and/or interrelationships between the concepts provided are generally correct and reflect an adequate understanding.
1	The response is poorly organized and presents an incorrect or incomplete list of hydrocarbons and their uses. The description of their importance focuses on a one or two perspectives. The response uses unclear and inadequate communication strategies. The description of relevant scientific, technological, and/or societal concepts is weak or not developed sufficiently. Descriptions, explanations, and/or interrelationships between the concepts provided reflect a poor understanding.
0	The response does not reflect the expectations for a 30-level course.

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