4.9.3.1 Atmospheric pollutants from fuel

What is a major source of atmospheric pollutants

Combustion of fuels is a major source of atmospheric pollutants

what do most fuels contain

Most fuels ( including coal) contain:

-carbon

-and/or hydrogen

-and may also contain some sulfur

What gases are released into the atmosphere at high temperatures

-carbon dioxide, water (vapour), carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen (which are formed at high temperatures)

-Solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released, forming particulates in the atmosphere

What is incomplete combustion and what gases are released when this happens

-If there’s not enough oxygen, some of the fuel doesn’t burn – this is partial/incomplete combustion.

-Here, solid particles of soot (carbon), carbon monoxide and unburnt fuel are released

Describe how combustion releases energy and also forms carbon dioxide and water

-The combustion of hydrocarbons releases energy.

-During combustion, the carbon and hydrogen in the fuels are oxidised to form carbon dioxide and water