Air pollution Flashcards
What happens when fossil fuels are burned
During combustion , the carbon and hydrogen are oxidised so that c02 and water vapour are released in the atmosphere
If there’s plenty of oxygen what happens when fuels are burned
complete combustion all the fuel burns
What happens during incomplete combustion
Not enough oxygen , some fuel doesn’t burn under these conditions particles called soot(particulates) and unburnt fuels are released and
carbon monoxide as well as CO
How do these particulates cause problems
If particulates are inhaled they can get stuck in lungs and cause respitory problems
Also bad for the environment - ir the clouds they help produce , reflect sunlight back into space meaning less light reaches the earth - causing global dimming
What problems does carbon monoxide cause
Carbon monoxide is really dangerous because it can stop your blood from doing its proper job of carrying oxygen around the body. It does this by binding to your haemoglobin that normally binds with oxygen so less is transported around body
A lack of oxygen can lead to fainting , coma and even death
Carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell or isn’t visible and hard to detect so its even more dangerous
How is sulfur dioxide (So2) released
During the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal , that contain sulphur impurities - sulphur in fuel becomes oxidised
How is nitrogen oxides created
from a reaction between the nitrogen in the air , caused by the heat of burning ( can happen in internal combustion in engines of cars
What do sulphur and nitrogen oxides make when they react with clouds
Dilute sulfuric acid or dilute nitric acid this then falls as acid rain
What issues does acid rain cause
Acid rain kills plants and damages buildings and statues and can also make metal corrode
Not only that but sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides can also be bad for health can also cause respiratory problems if breathed in
