9.3 Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

Question 1

How is pollution caused by
combustion?

Answer 1

When a fuel burns, the gases released to the atmosphere include carbon dioxide, water (vapour), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.

Solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released that form
particulates in the atmosphere.

Question 2

What are the issues regarding sulfur dioxide and
oxides of nitrogen?

Answer 2

Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in humans and
cause acid rain.

Acid rain damages plants and buildings.

Question 3

What problems do
particulates cause?

Answer 3

Particulates, such as carbon particles, cause global dimming by reducing the
amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface.

Particulates cause health problems for humans because of damage to the lungs.

Question 4

Give examples of greenhouse gases

Answer 4

Water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane

Question 5

How have human activities led to an increase in greenhouse
gases?

Answer 5

Carbon dioxide: combustion and deforestation

Methane:
increased farming and decomposition in landfills

Question 6

What are the advantages of
complete combustion?

Answer 6

● Less soot (carbon particulates) 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