Chemistry , the Acidic Environment Assignment Hsc
1. Identify the natural sources of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.
SO2, natural:
- Geothermal hot springs and volcanic activity are natural sources of SO2.
- In the process of decaying of organic matter some bacteria will produces hydrogen sulphide as a waste product which will oxidise, forming so2.
- Phytoplankton release dimethyl sulphide (DMS) into the atmosphere, when this is oxidised it forms sulphuric acid. NOx, natural:
- Lightning activity generates high temperatures to allow oxygen and nitrogen to combine. Nitric oxide combines with oxygen in the presence of lightning. The no will then slowly combine with oxygen in the atmosphere to form no2
- nitrous oxide formed from bacteria on nitrogenous material in soil
- bushfires
2. describe, using equations, examples of chemical reactions which release sulphur dioxide and chemical reactions which release oxides of nitrogen
- Combustion of coal containing sulphur
S(s) (in compound) + O2(g) → SO2(g)
- Smelting of sulphide ores (zinc ore)
2ZnS (s) + 3O2 (g) → 2ZnO (s) + 2SO2(g)
- Nitrogen combining with oxygen in the atmosphere
N2(g) + O2(g) → 2NO(g)
- Nitric oxide combining with oxygen in the atmosphere
2NO(g) + O2 (g) → 2NO2(g)
3. Summarise the industrial origins of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Evaluate reasons for concern about their release into the environment.
SO2, industrial:
- Sulphur is contained within most fossil fuels and is released in the form of sulphur dioxide (SO2) during fossil fuel combustion. Some coal or oil reserves contain considerable quantities of sulphur compounds. Most sulphur dioxide (SO2) released into the atmosphere comes from the burning of fossil fuels (mainly coal) in electric power stations, however other uses of fossil fuels also contribute to the pollution, for example... the combustion of petrol or diesel in an engine. .
- Smelting of sulphur ores in the extraction of metals process is another industrial means of SO2 pollution, however
SO2, natural:
- Geothermal hot springs and volcanic activity are natural sources of SO2.
- In the process of decaying of organic matter some bacteria will produces hydrogen sulphide as a waste product which will oxidise, forming so2.
- Phytoplankton release dimethyl sulphide (DMS) into the atmosphere, when this is oxidised it forms sulphuric acid. NOx, natural:
- Lightning activity generates high temperatures to allow oxygen and nitrogen to combine. Nitric oxide combines with oxygen in the presence of lightning. The no will then slowly combine with oxygen in the atmosphere to form no2
- nitrous oxide formed from bacteria on nitrogenous material in soil
- bushfires
2. describe, using equations, examples of chemical reactions which release sulphur dioxide and chemical reactions which release oxides of nitrogen
- Combustion of coal containing sulphur
S(s) (in compound) + O2(g) → SO2(g)
- Smelting of sulphide ores (zinc ore)
2ZnS (s) + 3O2 (g) → 2ZnO (s) + 2SO2(g)
- Nitrogen combining with oxygen in the atmosphere
N2(g) + O2(g) → 2NO(g)
- Nitric oxide combining with oxygen in the atmosphere
2NO(g) + O2 (g) → 2NO2(g)
3. Summarise the industrial origins of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Evaluate reasons for concern about their release into the environment.
SO2, industrial:
- Sulphur is contained within most fossil fuels and is released in the form of sulphur dioxide (SO2) during fossil fuel combustion. Some coal or oil reserves contain considerable quantities of sulphur compounds. Most sulphur dioxide (SO2) released into the atmosphere comes from the burning of fossil fuels (mainly coal) in electric power stations, however other uses of fossil fuels also contribute to the pollution, for example... the combustion of petrol or diesel in an engine. .
- Smelting of sulphur ores in the extraction of metals process is another industrial means of SO2 pollution, however