Combustion of alkanes Flashcards
name 7 pollutants released by the combustion of crude oil
Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide Nitrogen oxides Sulfur dioxide Carbon particulates Unburnt hydrocarbons Water vapour
How is CO produced?
Incomplete combustion
Why is CO harmful?
It binds to haemoglobin and replaces oxygen in the blood, which means that cells cannot respire
How are nitrogen oxides produced?
In petrol engines under high temperatures and high pressure
Why are nitrogen oxides harmful?
They react with water and oxygen to form nitric acid which contributes to acid rain
How is sulphur dioxide formed?
Sulfur impurities in crude oil
Why is sulphur dioxide harmful?
Sulphur dioxide reacts with water and
oxygen to form sulphuric acid which contributes to acid rain
Why are carbon particulates harmful?
They exacerbate asthma and cause cancer
Why are unburnt hydrocarbons harmful?
Contribute to photochemical smog which causes a variety of health problems
Greenhouse gas so contributes to climate change
Why is water vapour harmful?
Greenhouse gas so contributes to climate change
Why is carbon dioxide harmful?
Greenhouse gas so contributes to climate change
What is the term for gases released from power stations?
Flue gas
What happens in flue gas desulfurisation?
Calcium oxide/calcium carbonate and water are sprayed into the flue gas
Calcium sulfate (gypsum) is produced which is used to make plaster
(If calcium oxide is used then calcium sulfite is formed (CaSO3 and must be further oxidised to CaSO4)
What is the overall equation for flue gas desulfurisation using calcium oxide?
CaO + 2H2O +SO2 +0.5O2 —–> CaSO4.2H2O
What is the overall equation for flue gas desulfurisation using calcium carbonate?
CaCO3 + 0.5O2 + SO2 ——> CaSO4 + CO2
