Hydrocarbon Fuels Flashcards
What are some problems caused by acid rain?
> lakes become acidic causing many animals to die
> kills trees
> damages limestone buildings and statues
> suggestions of links between acid rain and deterioration of human health
What is incomplete combustion and what does it cause?
> combustion with a lack of oxygen
- carbon particulates and CO are released
How can the level of acid rain be reduced?
> removing sulphur from the fuels
- expensive and requires more energy resulting in higher CO2 emissions
> Acid Gas Scrubbers
> low sulphur petrol and diesel are beginning to be used
> reduced usage of fossil fuels
Describe global dimming.
> less sunlight is reaching the earth
> burning of fossil fuels produces carbon particulates
> these reflect the sunlight and encourage clouds to form which reflect the sunlight
Why is global dimming not believed by everyone?
> some scientists blame the theory on immaculate recording equipment
Describe ethanol as a fuel.
> made from fermented plants
> some countries is used to run cars
> can be mixed with petrol for a cleaner burning better fuel.
How can acid rain occur from combustion of hydrocarbon fuels?
> the high temperatures cause the N and O in the air to combine to form NO2 which mixes with the clouds.
> if fuel contains sulfide impurities. these will be released as SO2 when combusted.
What are the disadvantages to ethanol as a fuel?
> it is not widely available
> it requires engines to be converted
> there are worries that farmers will switch to growing sugar cane instead of food- increasing food prices.
What are the advantages to ethanol as a fuel?
> it is carbon neutral as the carbon released by combustion is equal to what was taken in as the plans grew
Describe biodiesel as a fuel.
> it is a biofuel
> it can be made from rapeseed or soybean oil mixed with diesel and used to run a diesel engine
Describe hydrogen as a fuel.
> can be obtained from electrolysis of water
> used to power vehicles
What are the advantages of hydrogen as a fuel?
> is burns very cleanly
> water is readily available
What are the disadvantages of hydrogen as a fuel?
> its electrolysis requires energy
> it is not readily available
> it requires expensive engines and specialist equipment
> it is difficult to store
What are the advantages of biodiesel?
> it is carbon neutral
> engines do not need to be converted
> produces far less SO2 and particulates
What are the disadvantages to biodiesel?
> we cannot produce enough to completely replace diesel
> expensive to produce
> worries it could increase food prices
