8 - Atmosphere Flashcards
What is the definition of a fuel (PGFF A Ch)
Fuels release energy when they are combusted
E.g coal and hydrocarbons
Where are hydrocarbons used? (PGFF A Ch)
To power vehicles like cars from the petrol and diesel
What do most fuels contain? (PGFF A Ch)
Carbon and hydrogen.
What happens to fuel when we burn it? (PGFF A Ch)
The carbon and hydrogen react with the oxygen in the air -> oxidised
What is the equation for the combustion of the hydrocarbon methane? (PGFF A Ch)
CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O
What does a complete combustion produce? (PGFF A Ch)
Carbon dioxide from the plenty of oxygen and it contributes to climate change as it is a greenhouse gas
What happens if the amount of oxygen is reduced for combustion? (PGFF A Ch)
The product carbon dioxide is no longer produced but carbon monoxide instead which is toxic and has no colour or smell. Many people have carbon monoxide detectors
What are the three possible results of combustion? (PGFF A Ch)
Water vapour
Carbon dioxide / carbon monoxide
What happens when coal is burnt? (PGFF A Ch)
Coal contains sulfur
1. When coal is burnt the sulfur atoms are oxidised which produces sulfur dioxide gas
What happens when we burn nitrogen? (PGFF A Ch)
High temperatures in cars cause the nitrogen and oxygen to react which produces a range of different molecules called oxides of nitrogen
What can both sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen do ? (PGFF A Ch)
Cause breathing problems
Dissolve in rain water to give acid rain which can corrode buildings of limestone and damage trees
What happens when we burn diesel? (PGFF A Ch)
Black particles come from the exhaust which are particles of carbon and unburied hydrocarbons aka particulates which can damage human health e.g increased risk of heart disease and lung disease and can also reduce the amount of energy from the sun that reaches the earths surface -> global dimming
