Question

In Ontario, some electricity comes from coal-burning generators. Coal is a natural form of carbon that has a large amount of sulphur mixed in with it. Answer the following questions based on the burning of coal to produce energy.

a) Write the word equations and balanced chemical equations for the burning of carbon and the burning of sulphur. (4 marks)
b) Which of these products is harmful to the environment? How is it harmful? (2 marks)
c) Write the word equation and balanced chemical equation for the reaction that produces this harmful environmental effect. (2 marks)
d)Explain why it is important to make sure your furnace is tuned up and in proper working order before the winter

Answer 1

a)

`C(s)+O_(2)(g) \rightarrow CO_(2)(g)`

`S(s)+O_(2)(g) \rightarrow SO_(2)(g)`

b)

Sulphurdioxide

c)

`SO_(2)(g) + H_(2)O(l) \rightarrow H_(2)SO_(3)(l)`

`SO_(2)(g) + (1)/(2)O_(2) \rightarrow SO_(3)(g)`

d)

Incomplete combustion produce harmful gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

a)

Carbon reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form carbondioxide as well as sulphur dioxide.

The chemical equations are as follows.

`C(s)+O_(2)(g) \rightarrow CO_(2)(g)`

`S(s)+O_(2)(g) \rightarrow SO_(2)(g)`

b)

Sulfur dioxide is very harmful to the environment to cause acid rains.

This harmful gas mix with rain water to form sulphuric acid.

c)

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction that produces harmful environmental effects is as follows.

`SO_(2)(g) + H_(2)O(l) \rightarrow H_(2)SO_(3)(l)`

`SO_(2)(g) + (1)/(2)O_(2) \rightarrow SO_(3)(g)`

`SO_(3)(g) +H_(2)O(l) \rightarrow H_(2)SO_(4)(l)`

d)

In the absence of proper amount of oxygen required for combustion, incomplete combustion will take place which will result in formation of more carbondioxide an other harmful gases.