common atmospheric pollutants

• how is carbon monoxide produced

  • incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels
  • methane + oxygen - carbon monoxide + water
• how is sulfur dioxide formed

  • sulfur in coal reacts with oxygen during combustion
  • sulfur + oxygen - sulfur dioxide
• how are nitrogen oxides formed

  • high engine temp caused nitrogen from air to react with oxygen
  • nitrogen + oxygen - nitrogen oxides
• how are carbon particulates formed

  • incomplete combustion of diesel -tiny solid particles of carbon and unburnt fuel are produced
• what is incomplete combustion

  fuel is burned in insufficient oxygen
• describe carbon monoxide

  • colorless
  • odourless
  • toxic gas - causes health problems
• describe problems of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

  • cause acid rain
  • respiratory problems
• problems with particulates

  • health problems
  • global dimming