60-62 - Fuels Flashcards
Name 3 things fuelled by crude oil
Cars/other transport
Central heating
Power stations for electricity
Why do we use crude oil?
It’s more cheap, reliable and easy than new resources
What is an alternative to crude oil?
Renewable energy
Hydrogen
What is the word equation for burning crude oil?
Hydrocarbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water vapour
+ sulfur dioxide if fuel contains sulfur
What are the two types of combustion?
Complete combustion - enough oxygen
Partial combustion - not enough oxygen
What happens if there isn’t enough oxygen in combustion?
Partial combustion releases carbon particulates
Carbon monoxide is released
What causes acid rain?
Sulfur/nitrogen dioxide forming sulfuric/nitric acid in clouds
What are the effects of acid rain?
Damage to plants
Damage to buildings and statues
Damage to human health
How can sulfur emissions be reduced?
Remove sulfur fromn fuels
Reduce fossil fuel use
Acid gas scrubbers
What do high CO2 levels cause?
Climate change
Global warming
Flooding
What is global dimming?
Amount of sunlight reaching earth is reducing
How is global dimming caused?
Particulates reflect sunlight back into space
What are the pros and cons of ethanol as a fuel?
Pros -
> made by fermentation
> carbon neutral
Cons -
> engines need to be changed
> crops are needed for food
What are the pros and cons of biodiesel?
Pros - > produced from vegetable oils > carbon neutral > engines don't need to be changed > produces less pollution
Cons -
> expensive to make
> crops are needed for food
What are the pros and cons of hydrogen as a fuel?
Pros -
> obtained from water
> only produces water vapour
Cons -
> expensive equipment needed
> difficult to store
> needs energy from another source
