10 - Chemistry of the Environment Flashcards
What is the composition of pure, dry air?
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
0.96% Noble gases
0.04% Carbon dioxide
What is the principal source of carbon dioxide?
The complete combustion of carbon-containing fuels
What is the source of carbon monoxide and particulates?
From the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels
What is the source of Methane?
The decomposition of vegetation and waste gases from digestion in animals
What is the source of oxides of nitrogen?
Car engines
What is the source of sulfur dioxide?
The combustion of fossil fuels which contain sulfur compounds
What is the effect of carbon dioxide on the environment?
Increased global warming, which leads to climate change
What is the effect of carbon monoxide?
It is a toxic gas
What is the effect of particulates?
Increased risk of respiratory problems and cancer
What is the effect of methane on the environment
Increased global warming, which leads to climate change
What are the effects of oxides of nitrogen on the environment?
Acid rain, photochemical smog and respiratory problems
What is the effect of sulfur dioxide on the environment?
Acid rain
What are the strategies to reduce climate change?
- Planting trees
- Reduction in livestock farming
- Decreasing use of fossil fuels
- Increasing use of hydrogen and renewable energy, e.g. wind, solar etc.
What are the strategies to reduce acid rain?
- Use of catalytic converters in vehicles
- Reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide by using low-sulfur fuels
- Flue gas desulfurisation with calcium oxide (reacting the sulfur dioxide emitted from burning fuels containing sulfur, with calcium oxide therefore removing it from the flue gas)
How do oxides of nitrogen form and how do they become negative?
Oxides of nitrogen are producedwhen nitrogen and oxygen react in the high pressure and temperature conditions of internal combustion engines and blast furnaces. These compounds dissolve into water to create acid rain and react with sunlight to produce photochemical smog.
