GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Atmospheric Pollutants from Fuels

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Chemistry of the atmosphere Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

Atmospheric Pollutants from Fuels

7:58 Source and Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants
Spec 4.9.3.1
Previous The Carbon Footprint & its Reduction Next Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants
  • Combustion of fuels is a major source of atmospheric pollutants.
  • Fuels release energy by reacting with oxygen during burning.
  • Types of fuels include fossil fuels (coal, natural gas), refined forms (propane, petrol), and wood.
  • Burning fuels releases gases, some of which are atmospheric pollutants.
  • Most fuels contain carbon and hydrogen, and may contain sulfur.
  • Coal contains carbon-based compounds, hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
  • Burning coal releases various gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
  • Solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons form particulates like soot, which stains chimneys and makes smoke black.
  • Gases produced during burning are colorless; soot is composed of carbon particulates.
  • Fuels burn by reacting with oxygen, producing different products based on the fuel's composition.
  • Hydrogen in fuels burns to produce water vapor.
  • Sulfur in fuels burns to produce sulfur dioxide.
  • Carbon-based fuels produce carbon dioxide with a good oxygen supply and carbon monoxide or soot with inadequate oxygen.
  • Methane undergoes complete combustion to form carbon dioxide and water vapor.
  • Incomplete combustion of methane produces carbon monoxide or soot.
  • In exams, predict combustion type based on oxygen supply and resulting products.

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