Burning hydrocarbons Flashcards
What happens when you burn a fuel?
It releases energy in the form of heat
What type of reaction is burning?
A combustion reaction - the substance being burned reacts with oxygen.
Why do hydrocarbons make great fuels?
The combustion reactions that happen when you burn them in oxygen give out lots of energy - the reactions are very exothermic.
What happens when you burn hydrocarbons in plenty of oxygen?
Carbon dioxide and water are formed - this is called complete combustion.
Hydrocarbon + oxygen –>
carbon dioxide + water
What does incomplete combustion produce?
Toxic carbon monoxide and soot
When does incomplete combustion occur?
When there isn’t enough oxygen
What do the products of incomplete combustion contain?
Less oxygen than carbon dioxide
What does incomplete combustion produce?
Carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas, and carbon (in the form of soot)
Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
It can combine with red blood cells and stop your blood from properly carrying oxygen around the body. This can lead to fainting, a coma, or even death.
What are the two chemical compounds which cause acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
How is sulfur dioxide created?
It comes from sulfur impurities in the hydrocarbon fuels
How are nitrogen oxides created?
When the temperature is high enough for the nitrogen and oxygen in the air to react. This often happens in car engines.
What are the main forms of nitrogen oxides?
Nitrogen monoxide (MO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
How is acid rain formed?
Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides bond with water vapour in the clouds to form dilute sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
