4.9.3 Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources (might come up)

Question 1

What are the advantages of complete combustion

Answer 1

Less soot is made with complete combustion
More heat per gram of fuel is released with complete combustion
Poisonous carbon monoxide is not produced with complete combustion

Question 2

How is pollution caused by combustion

Answer 2

When a fuel burns, the gases released to the atmosphere include carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
Solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released that form particulates in the atmosphere

Question 3

What are the issues regarding sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

Answer 3

Sulfur dioxide and noxes cause respiratory problems in humans and cause acid rain which damages plants and buildings

Question 4

What problems do particulates cause

Answer 4

They cause global dimming by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface
Particulates cause health problems for humans because of the damage to the lungs