Fuels in DF

Question 1

Alkanes

Answer 1

Burn completely in excess oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide
Very exothermic reaction
Cycloalkanes, alkenes and alcohols also react similarly

Question 2

The greenhouse effect

Answer 2

The earth naturally emits infrared radiation into space
Greenhouse gases absorb some of this

Question 3

Incomplete combustion

Answer 3

Carbon monoxide is formed
CO is poisonous
It binds to haemoglobin molecules instead of O causing internal suffocation
Incomplete and complete combustion reactions are oxidation reactions

Question 4

NOx and unburnt hydrocarbons

Answer 4

Contribute to photochemical smog
Causes eye irritation and respiratory problems

Question 5

Sulfur dioxide

Answer 5

Sulfur dioxide and NOx contribute to acid rain
Destroys trees, vegetations, kills fish in lakes and corrodes buildings and statues

Question 6

Particulates

Answer 6

Very small articles of liquid suspended in air
Causes cardiovascular and respiratory problems
Solid particulates can also be formed e.g. carbon from burning fossil fuels

Question 7

Handling

Answer 7

MOT emission tests
Laws
Taxes
Behaviour - e.g. car sharing and encouraging public transport

Question 8

Bioethanol

Answer 8

Fermentation of sugar
Carbon neutral as carbon dioxide is taken up during production but when burnt CO2 is released and during transportation
Petrol engines must be modified

Question 9

Biodiesel

Answer 9

Refining renewable fats and oils
Carbon neutral as carbon dioxide is taken up during production but when burnt CO2 is released and during transportation
Petrol engines must be modified

Question 10

Biogas

Answer 10

Breakdown of organic waste matter
Carbon neutral as carbon dioxide is taken up during production but when burnt CO2 is released and during transportation

Question 11

Hydrogen

Answer 11

Can be burned in a modified engine or used in a fuel cell
Water is the only waste product
Hydrogen can be obtained from seawater but it takes energy to extract it
If the energy used comes from a renewable source the process can be called carbon neutral
Transportation and storage - Hydrogen is very flammable and has to be liquified
New infrastructure