Podcast
Questions and Answers
Describe and explain how the composition of the Earth's atmosphere was changed by the formation of coal.
Describe and explain how the composition of the Earth's atmosphere was changed by the formation of coal.
Carbon dioxide decreased (by plants / trees) and oxygen increased (by plants / trees) because coal traps carbon.
Explain how the use of calcium carbonate increases atmospheric pollution.
Explain how the use of calcium carbonate increases atmospheric pollution.
Carbon dioxide / CO2 is released from the (thermal) decomposition of calcium carbonate.
Explain how the use of calcium carbonate decreases atmospheric pollution.
Explain how the use of calcium carbonate decreases atmospheric pollution.
Sulfur dioxide / SO2 is removed by reaction with calcium oxide or calcium carbonate.
What environmental impact do particulates from car exhaust systems cause?
What environmental impact do particulates from car exhaust systems cause?
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Replacing petroleum diesel with biodiesel increases one type of environmental pollution. What is it?
Replacing petroleum diesel with biodiesel increases one type of environmental pollution. What is it?
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Is biodiesel a carbon neutral fuel?
Is biodiesel a carbon neutral fuel?
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Describe the link between the number of carbon atoms in an alkane molecule and its boiling point.
Describe the link between the number of carbon atoms in an alkane molecule and its boiling point.
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Suggest two reasons why all of the alkanes in the bar chart are better fuels than the alkane with the formula C30H62.
Suggest two reasons why all of the alkanes in the bar chart are better fuels than the alkane with the formula C30H62.
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Where did the carbon that is locked up in fossil fuels come from?
Where did the carbon that is locked up in fossil fuels come from?
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The burning of fossil fuels has caused the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increase to above 0.03 %. What is the reason?
The burning of fossil fuels has caused the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increase to above 0.03 %. What is the reason?
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Why should we be concerned about our carbon footprint?
Why should we be concerned about our carbon footprint?
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Suggest why burning wood instead of coal would help to reduce our carbon footprint.
Suggest why burning wood instead of coal would help to reduce our carbon footprint.
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Renewable fuels release more heat per gram than non-renewable fuels. Correct or incorrect?
Renewable fuels release more heat per gram than non-renewable fuels. Correct or incorrect?
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Non-renewable fuels are better for the environment than renewable fuels. True or false?
Non-renewable fuels are better for the environment than renewable fuels. True or false?
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Equation for photosynthesis.
Equation for photosynthesis.
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What is the greenhouse effect? What are greenhouse gases?
What is the greenhouse effect? What are greenhouse gases?
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How have human activities led to the increase in greenhouse gases?
How have human activities led to the increase in greenhouse gases?
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What are potential effects of global climate change?
What are potential effects of global climate change?
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What actions can be taken to reduce a carbon footprint?
What actions can be taken to reduce a carbon footprint?
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What are the advantages of complete combustion?
What are the advantages of complete combustion?
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How is pollution caused by combustion?
How is pollution caused by combustion?
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Methane is given off as a result of?
Methane is given off as a result of?
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Water vapor is given off as a result of?
Water vapor is given off as a result of?
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Elaborate on the process of acid rain with sulfur dioxide.
Elaborate on the process of acid rain with sulfur dioxide.
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Match the following pollutants with their formulas:
Match the following pollutants with their formulas:
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Study Notes
Earth's Atmosphere and Coal Formation
- The formation of coal decreased carbon dioxide levels and increased oxygen levels due to plant photosynthesis, effectively "locking up" carbon.
Calcium Carbonate and Atmospheric Pollution
- The thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate releases carbon dioxide, contributing to atmospheric pollution.
- Calcium carbonate can react with sulfur dioxide, reducing its presence in the atmosphere.
Environmental Impacts of Particulates
- Car exhaust particulate emissions contribute to global dimming, affecting climate and weather patterns.
Biodiesel and Environmental Pollution
- Replacing petroleum diesel with biodiesel increases nitrogen oxide emissions, leading to higher acid rain occurrence.
- Biodiesel is considered carbon neutral since the carbon dioxide emitted during its combustion was previously absorbed through photosynthesis.
Alkanes and Boiling Points
- A greater number of carbon atoms in an alkane correlate with a higher boiling point, affecting fuel properties and applications.
- Alkanes with lower boiling points are more volatile and flammable, making them superior fuels compared to heavier alkanes like C30H62.
Carbon Sources in Fossil Fuels
- The carbon in fossil fuels originates from carbon dioxide present in the early Earth's atmosphere.
Fossil Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Levels
- Increased fossil fuel combustion has raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels beyond 0.03%, releasing stored carbon.
Carbon Footprint Concerns
- High carbon footprints are associated with global warming, necessitating reduction efforts.
Wood vs. Coal for Carbon Footprint Reduction
- Burning wood, as a renewable resource, utilizes CO2 from photosynthesis, creating a continuous cycle that helps in absorbing atmospheric carbon.
Renewable vs. Non-renewable Fuels
- Bio-ethanol, a renewable fuel, produces less energy per gram than some fossil fuels.
- Non-renewable fuels, like coal, often worsen environmental conditions through SO2 emissions contributing to acid rain and respiratory issues.
Photosynthesis Equation
- The chemical equation for photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Greenhouse Effect
- Greenhouse gases maintain Earth's temperature for life by trapping outgoing long-wave radiation. Key gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.
Human Influence on Greenhouse Gas Levels
- Human activities, such as combustion and deforestation, have increased carbon dioxide levels, while farming and waste decomposition have raised methane concentrations.
Effects of Global Climate Change
- Potential consequences include rising sea levels, more frequent storms, altered precipitation patterns, and shifts in species distribution and agricultural capacity.
Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies
- Actions to reduce carbon footprints include adopting alternative energy sources, improving energy efficiency, implementing carbon capture technologies, and promoting tree planting for carbon offsetting.
Benefits of Complete Combustion
- Complete combustion produces less soot, generates more heat per gram of fuel, and avoids carbon monoxide generation.
Combustion-Related Pollution
- Combustion releases gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and solid particulates, contributing to air quality issues.
Sources of Methane and Water Vapor
- Methane emissions result from cattle farming and decaying organic matter, while water vapor is generated from evaporation and the combustion of fuels.
Acid Rain Formation
- Sulfur dioxide contributes to acid rain when it combines with atmospheric moisture, leading to forest damage and environmental degradation.
Chemical Formulas
- Sulfur Dioxide: SO2
- Nitrogen Oxide: NO
- Methane: CH4
- Ammonia: NH3
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Description
Explore the critical changes in the Earth's atmosphere caused by the formation of coal. This quiz highlights the roles of carbon dioxide and oxygen in atmospheric composition and the impact of calcium carbonate on pollution levels.
