Atmospheric Changes and Coal Formation

Questions and Answers

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.

Carbon dioxide / CO2 is released from the (thermal) decomposition of calcium carbonate.

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?

Global dimming. Signup and view all the answers

Replacing petroleum diesel with biodiesel increases one type of environmental pollution. What is it?

(Increases) acid rain because there is more nitrogen oxide. Signup and view all the answers

Is biodiesel a carbon neutral fuel?

True Signup and view all the answers

Describe the link between the number of carbon atoms in an alkane molecule and its boiling point.

The greater the number of carbon atoms in an alkane molecule, the greater its boiling point. Signup and view all the answers

Suggest two reasons why all of the alkanes in the bar chart are better fuels than the alkane with the formula C30H62.

Low boiling point / volatile; high flammability. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the carbon that is locked up in fossil fuels come from?

Carbon dioxide in the Earth's early atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Increase in burning / use of fossil fuels. Signup and view all the answers

Why should we be concerned about our carbon footprint?

Thought to cause global warming. Signup and view all the answers

Suggest why burning wood instead of coal would help to reduce our carbon footprint.

Carbon dioxide used by trees and no new carbon dioxide is released. Signup and view all the answers

Renewable fuels release more heat per gram than non-renewable fuels. Correct or incorrect?

False Signup and view all the answers

Non-renewable fuels are better for the environment than renewable fuels. True or false?

False Signup and view all the answers

Equation for photosynthesis.

6CO2 + 6H2O ------> C6H12O6 + 6O2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the greenhouse effect? What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases maintain temperature on Earth. They allow solar radiation to pass but absorb outgoing long wavelength radiation. Signup and view all the answers

How have human activities led to the increase in greenhouse gases?

Combustion, deforestation, increased farming, and decomposition in landfills. Signup and view all the answers

What are potential effects of global climate change?

Sea level rise, more frequent/storms, changes in rainfall, temperature and water stress for animals, changes in food production capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What actions can be taken to reduce a carbon footprint?

Increased use of alternative energy, energy conservation, carbon capture and storage, carbon taxes, tree planting. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of complete combustion?

Less soot, more heat per gram of fuel, carbon monoxide not produced. Signup and view all the answers

How is pollution caused by combustion?

Gases released include carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Signup and view all the answers

Methane is given off as a result of?

Cattle farming and decomposing plants. Signup and view all the answers

Water vapor is given off as a result of?

Evaporation from seas and rivers & burning fuels. Signup and view all the answers

Elaborate on the process of acid rain with sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide can dissolve in atmospheric water vapor and fall to the ground as acid rain, damaging forests. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pollutants with their formulas:

Sulfur Dioxide = SO2 Nitrogen Oxide = NO Methane = CH4 Ammonia = NH3 Signup and view all the answers

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 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.