Identify the carbon source, account for combustion emissions and compare them with carbon absorbed during growth or captured before judging the overall claim.
This question is about fuels and polymers. Used coffee grounds have been suggested as a carbon-neutral fuel to replace some fossil fuels.
Explain why coffee grounds might be considered a carbon-neutral fuel. (2)
An explanation that makes reference to the following points:
- the carbon dioxide released when the fuel is used/burnt/combusted (is equal)
(1)
- (to the carbon dioxide that is) used/absorbed/taken in by the plant/during photosynthesis
(1)
Ignore answers relating to fuel burnt on transport affecting carbon neutrality / energy spent on processing and drying
MP1 do not award carbon for carbon dioxide
Marks are independent
Ignore sustainable resource
If no other marks awarded, for 1 mark:
Accept "no net COX2 produced when using coffee grounds as a fuel"
Accept "carbon intake = carbon release"
Allow "renewable resource"
(2)