Combustion Flashcards
What is combustion?
A reaction in which a fuel burns in oxygen
When hydrocarbons burn, what do they produce?
Carbon dioxide and water
Products and complete combustion
CO2 + H2O
Products of incomplete combustion
CO (carbon monoxide) + H2O
or
Carbon particulates (soot) + H2O
When does incomplete combustion occur?
When there is not enough oxygen for the fuel to burn completely
What are atmospheric pollutants?
Substances that contaminate our air, making it harmful for human health or the environment
What can carbon monoxide do?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that binds to the haemoglobin in the blood, instead of oxygen, starving the body of oxygen
What can carbon particulates do?
Carbon particulates can cause lung damage or cancer
When is sulphur dioxide formed?
When there are sulphur impurities in the fuel
What does sulphur dioxide lead to?
Sulphur dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form acid rain, damaging trees, wildlife and buildings
How can sulphur dioxide be prevented?
-remove sulphur from the fuels before burning
-acidic sulphur dioxide can be neutralised in the waste gases at power stations
When is nitrogen oxide formed?
When nitrogen impurities react with oxygen at very high temperatures
What does nitrogen oxide lead to?
Nitrogen oxide can lead to acid rain or breathing problems (asthma)
