# Explain why crude oil is described as a finite resource and outline why this is a concern for society.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 10.1 Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Crude oil is one of the most important raw materials used by modern society. It is the source of fuels and many other useful chemical products.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Crude oil formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms (e.g. marine organisms/plankton)
2. It is being used/consumed faster than it is being formed/replaced, so stocks will eventually run out
3. Society depends on crude oil as the main source of fuels (e.g. petrol, diesel, kerosene) so running out would affect transport/energy supply
4. Crude oil is also the feedstock for making other useful products such as plastics/polymers/medicines/solvents, so these would also be unavailable

## Key terms

- [finite resource](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/finite-resource)
- [crude oil](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/crude-oil)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-crude-oil-is-described-bbf35feb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.