Alkanes&Fuels Flashcards
What is complete combustion?
Burning alkanes with plenty of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water
What is incomplete combustion?
Burning alkanes without enough oxygen to produce carbon particulates and carbon monoxide, instead of or as well as carbon dioxide
Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
The molecules bind to the same sites on haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells as oxygen molecules, preventing oxygen being able to be carried around the body
What problems do carbon particulates cause (soot)?
Breathing problems
How is nitrogen monoxide formed?
When nitrogen and oxygen react together due to the high pressures and temperatures in the engine
What is the equation for the formation of nitrogen monoxide?
N2 + O2 —> 2NO
What is formed when hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides?
ground-level ozone
What are issues with ground-level ozone?
Contributes to smog
Irritates people’s eyes
Aggravates breathing problems
What are two equations to show how NO is removed by a catalytic converter?
2NO —> N2 + O2
2NO + 2CO —> N2 + 2CO2
What are some examples of catalytic converters?
Platinum
Rhodium
When sulphur dioxide dissolves in the moisture in the atmosphere, what is produced?
sulphuric acid (acid rain)
What harm does acid rain cause?
Destroys trees and vegetation
Corroding buildings/statues
Killing fish in lakes
How is sulfur dioxide removed from power stations?
1) powdered calcium carbonate or calcium oxide is mixed with water to make an alkaline slurry
2) Flue gases mix with the alkaline slurry
3) Acidic sulfur dioxide gas react with the calcium compounds to form a harmless salt
What is the equation for the removal of sulfur dioxide from power stations?
CaO + SO2 —> CaSO3
What gas does burning fossil fuels produce?
Carbon dioxide