Air Pollution Flashcards
what four gases are released when fossil fuels are burned
- carbon dioxide
- oxides of nitrogen
- carbon monoxide
- sulfur dioxide
during combustion of hydrocarbons in fossil fuels, how is CO2 released
during combustion of carbon and hydrogen in oxygen, the compounds are oxidised which releases CO2 and water vapour (H2O) into the atmosphere
what happens when theres plenty of oxygen in terms of combustion
all of fuel burns, called complete combustion
what happens when there isnt enough oxygen in terms of combustion
some of the fuel doesnt burn, called incomplete combustion
what are the effects of incomplete combustion
solid particles, called particulates, of soot and unburnt fuel are released and carbon monoxide can be produced as well as CO2
what problems can particulates in the air cause
- inhaling them causes it go get stuck in lungs, which damages them, leading to respiratory problems
- they, and the clouds they help produce, reflect sunlight back to space, meaning less light reaches earth
what is it called when particulates reflect sunlight back into space and why
global dimming, because its not allowing earth to be at its normal higher temp it should be
what are the impacts of carbon monoxide on health and the environment
can stop blood from carrying oxygen around the body if inhaled
how does CO prevent blood from carrying oxygen around the body
by bonding to the haemoglobin in your body that normally carries O2, meaning less oxygen is able to be transported around your body
what can a lack of oxygen in the body lead to
fainting, coma or death
why is carbon monoxide such a dangerous gas
because it doesnt have any colour or smell so it is hard to detect
when is sulfur dioxide released
during the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities, causing the sulfur in the fuel to become ionised
how are nitrogen oxides released
a reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air caused by the heat of burning. this happens in internal combustion engines of cars
what happens when these gases created by reactions with oxygen and incomplete combustion mix with clouds
they from dilute sulfuric acid or dilute nitric acid which falls down as acid rain
what are the impacts of acid rain on the environment
acid rain kills plants and damages buildings ans statues, so it can even make metals corrode
