Chemistry: Pollution

What is the biggest contributor to climate change?

Burning fossil fuels.

What are fossil fuels classified as?

Hydrocarbons

What are hydrocarbons?

compounds of hydrogen and carbon atoms only.

Does oxygen react with carbon, hydrogen and sulfur?

oxygen is most reactive gas, so reacts with some of these.

Does argon react with carbon, hydrogen and sulfur?

doesn’t react, is a noble gas

Does nitrogen react with carbon, hydrogen and sulfur?

doesn’t react, but DOES REACT WITH OXYGEN due to heat of exothermic combustion reactions. 

Does hydrogen react with carbon, hydrogen and sulfur?

in hydrocarbons, it forms water as a product. NOT A POLLUTANT, it enters water cycle.

Does nitrogen react with carbon, hydrogen and sulfur?

doesn’t react but DOES REACT WITH OXYGEN due to heat of exothermic combustion reactions.

What is the formula for complete combustion?

Carbon + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide

C + O → CO2

What is the formula for incomplete combustion?

Carbon + Oxygen → Carbon monoxide

C + O → 2CO

What is the product and effect of carbons reaction with oxygen (combustion)?

Unburnt: Product is unburnt hydrocarbons and effect is photochemical smog

product is carbon dioxide and effect is global warming

product is carbon monoxide and effect is photochemical smog and is toxic

What is the product and effect of nitrogen reaction with oxygen (combustion)?

product is Nitrogen oxides and effect is photochemical smog and acid rain.

What is the product and effect of sulphur reaction with oxygen (combustion)?

product is sulfur dioxide and the effect is acid rain.

How does sulphur create acid rain?

Sulphur containing crude oils create acid rain as mixes with clouds and make more acidic

What is photochemical smog effect?

contains low level ozone and can cause breathing difficulties. Contributes to global dimming (blocks sunlight)

What is global warming effect?

gradual increase in average global temperature via ‘greenhouse’ affect by absorbing heat emitted from earth. 

What is acid rain effect?

acidifies rivers and lakes, soils and kills leaves of certain trees.

What is toxic effect?

Poisonous to humans. Lead is neurotoxic, carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin and causes oxygen deficiency.

What is the solution to SO2?

Use low sulphur fuels, reduce coal use.

What is the solution to CH?

reduce use of diesel

What is the solution to CO2?

Reduce use of fossil fuels, reduce deforestation

What is the solution to NOx?

Reduce use of diesel, use catalytic converter

What is the solution to CO?

Reduce use of diesel, use catalytic converter

What is a catalytic converter?

exhaust emissions control device that uses catalysts to convert toxic gases from internal combustion engine into less harmful gases.