15.1.7

Impurities

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Impurities

As well as containing hydrocarbons, fossil fuels contain impurities.

Illustrative background for Sulfur impuritiesIllustrative background for Sulfur impurities ?? "content

Sulfur impurities

  • Sulfur is an impurity that is present in all fossil fuels.
    • Sulfur oxidises when burned. This produces the toxic gas sulfur dioxide.
  • If inhaled, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory (breathing) problems.
  • Sulfur dioxide can react with water to form sulfuric acid, which is a major component (part) of acid rain.
    • Acid rain causes steel corrosion, the weathering of buildings and statues, and the death of insects, plants, and aquatic organisms.
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Nitrogen oxides

  • When hydrocarbons are burned in a confined space (e.g. in the internal combustion engines of cars), the high temperatures can cause nitrogen and oxygen to react.
    • This leads to the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides.
  • Nitrogen oxides can also contribute to acid rain.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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