Air Pollution Flashcards
How does combustion lead to more carbon emissions?
-during combustion the carbon and hydrogen in fossil fuel compounds such as crude oil and coal are oxidised so that carbon dioxide and water vapour are released into the atmosphere
-when there is plenty of oxygen all the fuel burns (complete combustion)
-when there is not enough oxygen some of the fuel does not burn and under these condition solid particles (particulates) of carbon and unburnt fuel are released and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can be produced
what hazards can particulates in the atmosphere cause?
-if they are inhaled they can get stuck to the lungs and cause damage leading to respiratory problems
-particulates or the clouds they help produce reflect sunlight back into space. This means that less light reaches the earth causing global dimming
what hazards can carbon monoxide in the atmosphere cause?
-carbon monoxide can stop blood from carrying oxygen around the body as it binds to the haemoglobin so less oxygen is able to be transported round your body leading to fainting, a coma or death
-it is very hard to detect a it has no colour or smell
when is sulfur dioxide released?
it is released during combustion of fossil fuels that contain impurities as the sulfur in the fuel becomes oxidised
how are nitrogen oxides created?
they are created from a reaction between the oxygen in the air caused by the heat burning e.g. this can happen in the internal combustion engines of cars
what happens when nitrogen oxides or sulfuric dioxides mix with clouds?
they form dilute sulfuric acid or dilute nitric acid. This then falls as acid rain
what are some sulfuric dioxide and nitrogen oxide hazards?
- they can create acid rain which kills plants, damages buildings and statues and makes metal corrode
-sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides can also cause respiratory problems when breathed in
