Properties of Hydrocarbons, Combustion, and Pollution Flashcards

Flashcards about Hydrocarbons, Combustion, and Pollution

What are hydrocarbons?

Compounds that only contain hydrogen and carbon.

What does it mean for alkanes to be saturated?

Carbon atoms are joined to each other by single bonds only, meaning they have the maximum number of hydrogens available.

Name the first three alkanes.

Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), Propane (C3H8)

State three features of a homologous series.

Same general formula, same functional group, similar chemical properties with a trend in physical properties. Each successive member differs by CH2.

What happens to intermolecular forces as chain length increases?

Intermolecular forces get stronger.

Describe the trend in boiling points as the size of alkanes increases

Boiling points Increase

Describe the trend in viscosity as the size of alkanes increases

Viscosity increases

Describe the trend in flammability as the size of alkanes increases

Flammability decreases

Describe the trend in flame sootiness as the size of alkanes increases

Flame gets dirtier

What is a fraction in the context of crude oil?

A group of hydrocarbons with a similar number of carbon atoms and therefore similar boiling points.

Why is there a higher demand for short chain hydrocarbons?

Smaller hydrocarbons are more volatile and have lower boiling points, making them easier to use as fuels and in other applications.

What is a chemical feedstock?

A raw material used to provide reactants for an industrial reaction.

Describe how fossil fuels are formed.

Formed from the remains of dead organisms over millions of years.

Are fossil fuels renewable or non-renewable?

Non-renewable, finite resources.

List the 3 requirements for fossil fuel formation as mentioned in the lecture notes.

(the organisms) were covered by sediments, (the organisms) were buried, and (the organisms) were in anaerobic conditions and subjected to high temperature and high pressure (over millions of years)

What elements do fossil fuels contain?

Hydrogen and carbon.

What are the products of complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?

Carbon dioxide and water.

What is required for complete combustion?

An adequate supply of oxygen.

What are the products of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons?

Carbon monoxide and water.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

It is toxic, colorless, and odorless, and it binds to red blood cells, preventing oxygen from binding.

What are particulates (soot)?

Tiny solid particles of carbon (soot) and unburnt fuel produced during incomplete combustion, especially by diesel engines.

How do particulates affect the environment?

Cause health problems (Lung damage) AND cause global dimming

What happens to white anhydrous copper (II) sulphate when water is added?

It turns blue (hydrated copper (II) sulphate).

What happens to blue cobalt (II) chloride paper when water is added?

It turns pink.

Name three main greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.

How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?

Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation.

How is sulfur dioxide formed from burning fuels?

Sulfur in the fuel reacts with oxygen when the fuel is burned.

How are nitrogen oxides (NOx) formed in engines?

The high temperature and pressure cause the nitrogen in the air to react with the oxygen in the air.

List three issues caused by Acid Rain.

Kills aquatic animals/plants, damages limestone buildings/statues, and damages forests.

How is carbon monoxide formed, and what is a potential problem it causes?

Formed from incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Bonds more strongly to red blood cells than oxygen, causing suffocation.

How are carbon particles (soot) formed, and what is a potential problem they cause?

Formed from incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Causes cancer and global dimming.

How is sulfur dioxide formed, and what is a potential problem it causes?

Formed when fuel containing sulfur is burned. Causes acid rain and breathing problems.

How are nitrogen oxides formed, and what is a potential problem they cause?

Formed when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen at high temperatures (e.g., car engine). Poisonous, causes acid rain, and causes breathing problems.