Air pollution

• What do burning fossil fuels produce?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• When does complete combustion occur?

  When pure hydrocarbons burn with plenty of oxygen
• What is incomplete combustion?

  Burning with insufficient oxygen
• What pollutants are produced from burning fossil fuels?

  Carbon monoxide, particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides
• What are particulates?

  Solid particles of carbon, called soot
• What are the two main problems associated with particulates?

  They damage lungs and cause global dimming
• How do particulates affect sunlight?

  They reflect sunlight back into space
• Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

  It binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport
• What severe effects can carbon monoxide exposure lead to?

  Fainting, coma, and death
• What makes carbon monoxide hard to detect?

  It is colorless and odorless
• How is sulfur dioxide produced during combustion?

  Sulfur in hydrocarbons gets oxidized
• How are nitrogen oxides formed?

  Nitrogen and oxygen react at high temperatures
• Why do high temperatures lead to nitrogen oxides formation?

  They allow nitrogen and oxygen to combine
• What problems do sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause?

  They damage lungs and cause acid rain
• How do these gases contribute to acid rain?

  They dissolve in clouds to form acids
• What are the effects of acid rain on the environment?

  It damages buildings, statues, and plants
• How does acid rain affect soil and plants?

  It makes soil more acidic, hindering growth
• What is complete combustion and its products?

  • Complete combustion occurs with plenty of oxygen
  • Products are water and carbon dioxide
• What is the difference between complete and incomplete combustion?

  • Complete combustion: sufficient oxygen, produces CO2 and H2O
  • Incomplete combustion: insufficient oxygen, produces CO and particulates
• What are the health impacts of inhaling pollutants?

  • Damage to lungs and respiratory issues
  • Potential for severe health conditions
• What are the sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides?

  • Sulfur dioxide: impurities in hydrocarbons
  • Nitrogen oxides: high temperatures in combustion engines