air pollution

• What is a major source of atmospheric pollutants?

  Combustion of fuels
• What elements do most fuels contain?

  Carbon and/or hydrogen, and some sulfur
• What gases are released when a fuel burns?

  Carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides
• What forms particulates in the atmosphere during combustion?

  Solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons
• What happens during incomplete combustion?

  Some fuel does not burn due to insufficient oxygen
• What is released during incomplete combustion?

  Soot, carbon monoxide, and unburnt fuel
• What is produced when hydrocarbons combust?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• What is carbon monoxide?

  A toxic, colorless, and odorless gas
• What health issues are caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides?

  Acid rain and respiratory problems
• What effects do particulates have on the environment?

  Cause global dimming and health problems
• What are the main atmospheric pollutants from fuel combustion?

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Water vapor
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Oxides of nitrogen
  • Solid particles
  • Unburned hydrocarbons
• What are the properties and effects of key atmospheric pollutants?

  • Carbon monoxide: toxic, colorless, odorless
  • Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides: cause acid rain and respiratory issues
  • Particulates: cause global dimming and health problems
• When burning fossil fuels in an engine, how are nitrogen oxides formed?

  Nitrogen from the air is oxidised at the high temperature inside the engine