Question

AP Environmental Science: According to the diagram, crude oil can be heated and separated into various components. In one barrel of oil, 22 percent is refined into gasoline and 38 percent into diesel fuel.

When the price of a barrel of oil increases, which of the following statements is the most accurate prediction of what will happen?

- The price of gasoline will increase in direct proportion to the increase in a barrel of oil.

- Bitumen for roads and roofing will be affected in supply but not in price.

- Diesel fuels will not be affected in price and can be manufactured from ethanol.

- The price of jet fuel will follow the inverse relationship and increase quickly in cost.

Answer 1

Okay, here are the key points to consider:

- Crude oil is separated into various components like gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, bitumen, etc.

- A barrel of oil contains 22% gasoline and 38% diesel fuel. So these components make up a major portion of the oil.

- When the price of a barrel of oil increases, the costs to produce these components like gasoline and diesel also go up.

- So the prices of gasoline, diesel fuel and other components are directly linked to the price of crude oil. They will likely increase proportionally if oil price rises.

- Bitumen may be affected in supply but its price could still adjust based on supply and demand. It's linked to oil price indirectly.

- Diesel fuel price will also likely rise with oil price increase. It cannot be produced just from ethanol. It requires crude oil.

- Jet fuel price will also follow the increase in oil price. It's not inverse.

So among the options, the choice that is most accurate is:

The price of gasoline will increase in direct proportion to the increase in a barrel of oil.

The other options are not fully supported. Diesel and jet fuel prices will rise, bitumen may see some supply impact but prices will adjust, and prices are directly linked to oil prices, not inversely.

Let me know if you need more explanation.