Air Pollution
This lesson covers:
- The difference between complete and incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
- How carbon monoxide and particulates are harmful
- How pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are formed, and what harm they do
Complete the equation for the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon.
Hydrocarbon + âž” carbon +
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The harmful effects of nitrogen oxides
Despite emission controls, significant NOx pollution still occurs from transportation.
This causes problems like:
- Acid rain - which damages ecosystems.
- Photochemical smog formation - causing breathing issues, headaches and fatigue.
Incomplete combustion can lead to the formation of small particles of carbon, which are called 'particulates', or 'soot'.
Which two of the following describe the adverse effects of these particulates?
Reduces haemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen
Cause respiratory problems as the particles damage our lungs
Cause acid rain as it dissolves in rainwater
Forms clouds of smog which reflect light back to space
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Which two products are formed by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons?
Nitrogen oxides
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Particulates
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Describe why carbon monoxide is harmful for humans.
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When burning fossil fuels, how is sulfur dioxide formed?
Sulfur is an impurity in some fossil fuels and is oxidised when they're combusted
Sulfur from the air is oxidised at the high temperature of the engine
Sulfur is one of the main elements in fossil fuels as is oxidised like carbon and hydrogen
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When burning fossil fuels in an engine, how are nitrogen oxides formed?
Nitrogen is an impurity in some fossil fuels, and is oxidised when the fuels combust
Nitrogen from the air is oxidised at the high temperature inside the engine
Nitrogen is one of the main elements in fossil fuels, and is oxidised like carbon and hydrogen
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Which of the following can form acid rain?
(Select all that apply)
Particulates
Nitrogen oxides
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
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Which of the following are adverse effects of acid rain?
(Select all that apply)
It binds our haemoglobin and reduces the amount of oxygen it can transport
It damages certain buildings and statues
It forms smog which contributes to global dimming
It makes the soil more acidic, which harms plants
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Other than acid rain, what problem is caused by sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen?
Global dimming
Respiratory problems in humans
Global warming
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