Common Atmospheric Pollutants
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 9.1.11
Common Atmospheric Pollutants from Fossil Fuels
Burning fossil fuels is a major cause of air pollution. Burning fossil fuels produces lots of carbon dioxide, as well as smaller quantities of other pollutants.
Incomplete combustion
- Incomplete combustion happens when fuels are burned in insufficient oxygen.
- Incomplete combustion produces two problematic by-products:
- Carbon monoxide - a toxic gas.
- Particulates - small solid particles containing carbon and unburnt fuel.
Sulfur impurities
- Sulfur is an impurity that is present in all fossil fuels.
- Sulfur oxidises when burned. This produces the toxic gas sulfur dioxide.
Internal combustion engines in cars
- When fossil fuels are burned in a confined space, the high temperatures can cause nitrogen and oxygen to react.
- This leads to the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides.
Test yourself on Common Atmospheric Pollutants
Common atmospheric pollutants from fossil fuels
What toxic gas is produced when sulfur in fossil fuels is burned?
Why does incomplete combustion produce carbon monoxide rather than carbon dioxide?
Why do internal combustion engines in cars produce nitrogen oxides?
What do the formation of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides have in common?