Air Pollution

• Fuel


  Releases energy when combusted (burned)
• Fuels


  • Coal
  • Hydrocarbons (e.g. petrol, diesel)
• Fuels


  • Contain the elements carbon and hydrogen
• Combustion of fuels


  1. Carbon and hydrogen atoms react with oxygen in the air

  2. Oxidation occurs
• Complete combustion


  Produces carbon dioxide and water vapor
• Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas</b>
• Incomplete combustion


  Produces carbon monoxide (toxic gas)
• Carbon monoxide detectors are used in homes
• Products of combustion


  • Carbon dioxide
  • Water vapor
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
• Sulfur dioxide


  Produced when fuels containing sulfur are burned
• Oxides of nitrogen (NOx)


  Produced at high temperatures in engines from nitrogen and oxygen in air
• Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen


  Can cause breathing problems and form acid rain
• Particulates


  Particles of carbon and unburned hydrocarbons
• Particulates


  Can damage human health and reduce energy from the sun reaching Earth (global dimming)