Question

When coal is burned to produce heat energy, it releases a variety of substances that damage the environment and threaten human health. Which -damaging substances are released when coal is burned?

-particulate matter such as soot
-carcinogenic gases such as radon
-gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide
-radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium
-ground-level ozone
-heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic Incorrect

Answer 1

When coal is burned, it releases damaging substances including particulate matter, gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, radioactive elements, heavy metals, and ground-level ozone.

Step-by-step explanation:

When coal is burned to produce heat energy, it releases a variety of damaging substances that harm the environment and threaten human health. These substances include:

1. Particulate matter such as soot: Burning coal releases fine particles of soot into the air, which can contribute to respiratory illnesses and coal workers' pneumoconiosis.
2. Gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide: Coal combustion produces sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which contribute to acid rain, smog, and respiratory issues.
3. Radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium: Coal contains trace amounts of radioactive elements that can be released when it is burned.
4. Heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic: Burning coal releases heavy metals like mercury and arsenic, which can contaminate water sources and pose health risks when ingested or inhaled.
5. Ground-level ozone: Coal combustion can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant.