Carbon monoxide, soot, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen: where each comes from and the problems each one causes.
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1.Name four atmospheric pollutants from burning fuels.
Carbon monoxide, soot which is carbon particulates, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen.
2.Which pollutants come from incomplete combustion?
Carbon monoxide and soot.
3.Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
It is toxic. It reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, and it is colourless and odourless so it cannot be detected.
4.How does carbon monoxide affect the blood?
It binds to haemoglobin in place of oxygen, so less oxygen is transported around the body.
5.What problems does soot cause?
It causes global dimming and respiratory problems, and it blackens buildings.
6.What is global dimming?
A reduction in the amount of sunlight reaching the surface, caused by particulates in the atmosphere.
7.Where does sulfur dioxide come from?
Sulfur impurities present in fossil fuels, which are oxidised when the fuel is burned.
8.What problems does sulfur dioxide cause?
It causes acid rain, and it causes respiratory problems in humans.
9.How does sulfur dioxide cause acid rain?
It dissolves in water in clouds to form an acidic solution which then falls as rain.
10.What damage does acid rain do?
It damages buildings and statues made of carbonate rock, damages trees and vegetation, and makes lakes acidic so aquatic life dies.
11.How are oxides of nitrogen formed?
At the high temperatures inside engines, nitrogen and oxygen from the air react together.
12.What problems do oxides of nitrogen cause?
They cause acid rain and respiratory problems.
13.Why do oxides of nitrogen form in engines but not at room temperature?
Nitrogen is very unreactive, so a great deal of energy is needed before it will react with oxygen.
14.How can sulfur dioxide emissions be reduced?
By removing sulfur from fuels before they are burned, and by removing sulfur dioxide from waste gases at power stations.
15.Which pollutant is a greenhouse gas?
Carbon dioxide, which comes from complete combustion.
16.Which pollutants cause acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.
17.Which pollutants cause respiratory problems?
Soot particulates, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.
18.Why is carbon monoxide described as a silent killer?
It has no colour, taste or smell, so people can be poisoned without realising anything is wrong.
19.What causes incomplete combustion?
An insufficient supply of oxygen for the fuel to burn fully.
20.Why is a blue Bunsen flame cleaner than a yellow one?
The air hole is open so there is plenty of oxygen, giving complete combustion with no soot.
21.What is produced by complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?
Carbon dioxide and water only.
22.Why do catalytic converters reduce pollution from cars?
They convert carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen into less harmful carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
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