combustion

• what is the combustion of fossil fuels?

  the burning of fossil fuels
• what are some examples of fossil fuels?

  • coal
  • oil
  • natural gas
• what is a fuel?

  a substance that, when burned, releases heat energy (exothermic reaction)
• what is a major source of atmospheric pollution?

  the combustion of fossil fuels
• how are non-renewable fossil fuels obtained?

  from crude oil by fractional distillation
• what gases do fossil fuels release when burnt?

  • carbon dioxide
  • carbon monoxide
  • oxides of nitrogen
  • oxides of sulfur
• when does complete combustion occur?

  when there is an excess of oxygen
• when does incomplete combustion occur?

  when there is insufficient oxygen to burn
• what are the products of incomplete combustion?

  • unburnt fuel (soot)
  • carbon monoxide
  • water
• why is carbon monoxide poisonous?

  • can cause dizziness
  • loss of consciousness
  • CO binds well to haemoglobin which therefore cannot bind oxygen - oxygen is transported to organs in order for the body to function