2.5.7

Atmospheric Oxides

Test yourself

Harmful Effects of Combustion

Combustion can cause the production of some nasty chemicals.

Illustrative background for The internal combustion engineIllustrative background for The internal combustion engine ?? "content

The internal combustion engine

  • The combustion of alkanes powers our cars via the internal combustion engine.
  • Common impurities from the internal combustion engine are:
    • Nitrous oxides (NOx).
    • Unburned hydrocarbons.
    • Carbon monoxide.
  • Nitrous oxides react to form ozone at ground level.
    • Ozone irritates eyes and can cause lung damage.
Illustrative background for Flue gasesIllustrative background for Flue gases ?? "content

Flue gases

  • Flue gases are the gases that come out of chimneys. They are also produced as industrial waste.
  • Flue gases often contain sulfur dioxide.
    • Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water to make sulfuric acid. This then falls as acid rain, which destroys trees and vegetation.
Illustrative background for Nitrous oxides & sulphur oxidesIllustrative background for Nitrous oxides & sulphur oxides ?? "content

Nitrous oxides & sulphur oxides

  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2 causes acid rain. SO2 is oxidized to SO3. SO3 then reacts with water to form H2SO4.
    • SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
  • Nitrous oxides catalyse the formation of SO3, so contribute to acid rain:
    • SO2 + NO2 → SO3 + NO
  • NO2 is then regenrated through treating with atmospheric oxygen:
    • NO + 1/2O2 → NO2
Illustrative background for Removing these chemicalsIllustrative background for Removing these chemicals ?? "content

Removing these chemicals

  • We can remove sulfur dioxide by reacting with calcium oxide or calcium carbonate.
  • This is because sulfur dioxide is acidic and calcium oxide is basic. The balanced equation for the process is:
    • CaO +SO2 → CaSO3
  • Catalytic converters can remove unburned hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides from fuel.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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