4 Module 4: Resources
2.4.1 Chemistry of the Air
The Greenhouse Effect
Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and
water vapour (H2O) are all greenhouse gases.
(They trap the Earths radiated infra red energy
in the atmosphere).
Water is the main greenhouse gas (but is
natural), followed by carbon dioxide and
methane.
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O + O2
O3
Ozone depletion
This is the reverse of the formation reaction..
The energy is supplied by ultraviolet light
O3 + ultraviolet light
O2 + O
There is a continuous cycle of formation
and depletion of ozone
CF2Cl2 CF2Cl + Cl
Cl + O3
O3 + O
NO + O3
.
+O
ClO + O2
ClO + O
O2 + Cl
Overall equation
2 O2
NO2 + O2
NO2
O2 + NO
Overall equation
O3 + O
2 O2
CFCs still concern us because CFCs are still entering the atmosphere from disused items and are still used
for some purposes and by some countries.
CFCs have a long lifetime in the atmosphere and it takes a long time for CFCs to reach upper atmosphere.
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2NO
N2 + 2O2
2NO2
Pollutant
Environmental consequence
Carbon monoxide
toxic
Carbon dioxide
soot
Catalytic converters
These remove CO, NOx and unburned hydrocarbons (e.g. octane,
C8H18) from the exhaust gases, turning them into harmless CO2, N2
and H2O.
2 CO + 2 NO 2 CO2 + N2
C8H18 + 25 NO 8 CO2 + 12 N2 + 9 H2O
How Catalytic converter works
CO and NO are adsorbed onto surface of catalyst
This weaken bonds in the CO and NO, thereby
lowering activation energy
Reaction occurs
CO2 and N2 desorbs from the surface
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(v) ensuring that any waste products produced are nontoxic, and can be recycled or biodegraded by being
broken down into harmless substances in the
environment;
Apparent benefits may be offset by unexpected and detrimental side effects. Note the
advantages and disadvantages of using biofuels.
Advantages of using Biofuels
Reduction of use of fossil fuels which are finite resources
biofuels are renewable
Use of biodiesel is more carbon-neutral
Allows fossil fuels to be used as a feedstock for organic
compounds
No risk of large scale pollution from exploitation of fossil
fuels
Disadvantages of Biofuels
Less food crops may be grown
Land not used to grow food crops
Rain forests have to be cut down to
provide land
Shortage of fertile soils
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