pollutants from fuels

• What is meant by a fuel?

  Substances that release energy when burned
• Name two examples of fuels.

  Coal and hydrocarbons
• How is coal commonly used?

  To generate electricity in power stations
• What are hydrocarbons commonly found in?

  Petrol and diesel
• What elements do most fuels contain?

  Carbon and hydrogen
• What happens to carbon and hydrogen atoms during combustion?

  They react with oxygen in the air
• What is the process called when fuels are burned completely?

  Complete combustion
• What is produced during complete combustion of hydrocarbons?

  Carbon dioxide and water vapor
• What is a greenhouse gas produced from burning fuels?

  Carbon dioxide
• What happens if there is a reduced amount of oxygen during combustion?

  Carbon monoxide is produced instead
• What is carbon monoxide known for?

  It is a toxic gas
• Why do many people have carbon monoxide detectors?

  To detect the presence of toxic gas
• What are the three products of combustion mentioned?

  Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and carbon monoxide
• What are sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen known for?

  They cause similar environmental effects
• What element does coal contain that produces sulfur dioxide when burned?

  Sulfur
• How is sulfur dioxide produced during combustion?

  Sulfur atoms react with oxygen
• What are oxides of nitrogen produced from?

  High temperatures in engines
• What health problems can sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause?

  Breathing problems in humans
• What environmental issue can sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen contribute to?

  Acid rain formation
• What can acid rain damage?

  Trees and limestone buildings
• What type of pollution is produced from burning diesel in trucks?

  Particulates
• What do particulates consist of?

  Carbon particles and unburned hydrocarbons
• What health risks are associated with particulates?

  Increased risk of heart and lung disease
• What is global dimming?

  Reduction of sunlight reaching Earth's surface
• How might global dimming affect rainfall patterns?

  It may alter rainfall patterns
• What are the main pollutants produced from burning fuels?

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Water vapor
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Oxides of nitrogen
  • Particulates
• What are the effects of pollutants from burning fuels?

  • Breathing problems in humans
  • Acid rain formation
  • Damage to trees and buildings
  • Increased risk of heart and lung disease
  • Global dimming affecting rainfall patterns