Pollution And Fuels

Question 1

How is carbon monoxide produced and why is it bad

Answer 1

-produced by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels
-odourless and lethal as binds to haemoglobin meaning less oxygen can be carried

Question 2

Why are carbon particles bad

Answer 2

-soot can have health effects if breathed in (respiratory diseases) and global dimming

Question 3

What are unburnt hydrocarbons

Answer 3

Not all fuels burn, unburnt hydrocarbons can be carcinogenic

Question 4

Why are sulfur impurities bad

Answer 4

Can burn to form sulfur dioxide (SO2) which dissolves in air to form sulfuric acid which causes acid rain which can poison catalytic converters

Question 5

What is used to remove sulfur dioxide

Answer 5

Calcium oxide used in flu gas desulfurization forming calcium sulfate

Question 6

How are nitrogen oxides formed

Answer 6

When nitrogen and oxygen in the air react in the engines of cars due to high temperature to form NOx’s

Question 7

Why are nitrogen oxides bad

Answer 7

Can dissolve in air to form acid rain, can form photochemical smog and ozone pollution

Question 8

What are catalytic converters

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are two alternative biofuels

Answer 9

-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)

Question 10

Carbon neutral

Answer 10

Process that takes in as much carbon dioxide as it releases