Pollution And Fuels Flashcards
How is carbon monoxide produced and why is it bad
-produced by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels
-odourless and lethal as binds to haemoglobin meaning less oxygen can be carried
Why are carbon particles bad
-soot can have health effects if breathed in (respiratory diseases) and global dimming
What are unburnt hydrocarbons
Not all fuels burn, unburnt hydrocarbons can be carcinogenic
Why are sulfur impurities bad
Can burn to form sulfur dioxide (SO2) which dissolves in air to form sulfuric acid which causes acid rain which can poison catalytic converters
What is used to remove sulfur dioxide
Calcium oxide used in flu gas desulfurization forming calcium sulfate
How are nitrogen oxides formed
When nitrogen and oxygen in the air react in the engines of cars due to high temperature to form NOx’s
Why are nitrogen oxides bad
Can dissolve in air to form acid rain, can form photochemical smog and ozone pollution
What are catalytic converters
The high surface area of the catalyst results from the honeycomb structure and contains rhodium, palladium and platinum catalysts and converts unburnt hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide and nitrogen which are less harmful
What are two alternative biofuels
-bioethanol (from sugars and carbohydrates made by fermentation which need to be distilled)
-biodiesel (from soya or (new) plant waste which doesn’t need distillation)
Carbon neutral
Process that takes in as much carbon dioxide as it releases
