Final answer:
Burning fuels results in intended products like carbon dioxide and water, along with unintended by-products such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution and have health and environmental impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we burn fuels, such as coal, wood, or diesel, in a process known as fuel combustion, the intended products are typically carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy. However, due to various reasons such as limited oxygen supply and imperfect combustion conditions, unintended by-products are also formed.
Common by-products include carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions can come from industrial processes, vehicles, residential wood burning, wildfires, and other sources, and are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gases.
For example, the incomplete combustion of methane (CH4) can lead to the formation of carbon monoxide:
2CH4 + 3O2 → 2CO + 4H₂O
These by-products can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment, contributing to the greenhouse effect, smog, and respiratory problems. Therefore, reducing emissions from fuel combustion is essential for improving air quality and public health.