(Chapter 4.3) Using Chemistry: Chemistry and Industry Flashcards
Define oxidant
A substance that can supply or take the place of oxygen in a reaction
Define oxidation (reaction)
A reaction in which oxygen bonds with another substance
Provide an example of an oxidation
Corrosion, combustion, respiration etc
Define reduction (reaction)
A reaction in which oxgyen is removed from an oxidated substance
Define reductant
A substance that removes oxygen from an oxidated substance by bonding with the oxygen
Define polymers
A substance formed in a reaction in which smaller molecules bond to form long chains
Define monomer
A substance that bonds together to form long chains
Describe the process of a polyermisation reaction
The monomers are placed under specific conditions (varies from monomers) and the monomers bond
Usually, what are the conditions to start a polymerisation reaction like?
High temperature, pressure, and use of a catalyst
What is the term for a polymer produced by chemists or chemical engineers?
Synthetic polymer
Identify the types of polymer structures
Linear polymers, occasionally cross-linked polymers (aka elastomers), and cross-linked polymers
Define linear polymer
A singular long chain of atoms, with the possibility of small segments attached to this main branch
Define elastomer
Various long chains of atoms, connected by small segments. They are termed ‘elastomers’ because they are elastic – they can be stretched and, when you let them go, they spring back into shape.
Define cross-linked polymer
Giant covalent lattices
What elements are common in polymers
Oxygen, nitrogen, or hydrogen and a carbon base
Define thermoset
A substance that does not melt or change shape when heated but might char
Define thermoplastic
A substance can change its shape when heated
Explain why thermoset plastics are only cross-linked polymers or elastomers?
The relatively rigid structure of cross-linked polymers and elastomers results in the plastic being thermoset
Explain why thermoplastic plastics are only linear polymers or elastomers?
The relatively unstable structure of linear polymers and elastomers results in the plastic being thermoplastic
Define pollutants
A substance that is in the wrong place or amount and is causing harm
Define cellulose
An insoluble substance part of plant cell walls and vegetable fibres. The most abundant organic polymer on the earth
Define fossil fuels
A natural fuel formed in the remains of organisms
What metals are catalytic converters in the exhaust system of vehicles?
Platinum, palladium and rhodium
Define catalytic converters
An exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less toxic pollutants
Given the chemical equation that occurs in the catalytic converters (2CO + 2NO → 2CO2 + N2), explain why it is necessary
Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are 2 harmful substances to humans and carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas are 2 relatively harmless substances
Define redox (reaction)
A reaction where a substance undergoes oxidation and the other undergoes reduction
Why does the substance lose electrons during oxidation?
The electrons from the substance bond with the oxygen so the oxygen is stable (covalent)
Why does the substance gain electrons during reduction?
The electrons from the substance that bonded with the oxygen are returned
Is catalytic converters an example of a redox (2CO + 2NO → 2CO2 + N2) and why?
Yes as the nitric oxide experiences reduction and the carbon monoxide experiences oxidation
What elements are present in alcohol
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Define biofuel
A fuel derived directly from living matter
Identify the difference between natural and anthropogenic carbon dioxide.
Natural carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide that should be present in the atmosphere and on the other hand, anthropogenic carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide that is artificially added by humanity
Do all alcohols have a hydroxyl group?
Yes
