Lesson 12
The combustion of coal releases several substances into the air: In contrast, the amount of SO2 (sulfur dioxide) released is relatively small. Even so, this SO2 is of concern. Explain why
Air pollutant. Sulfur dioxide affects the respiratory system, particularly lung function, and can irritate the eyes.
Regarding oil: Why is it difficult to estimate oil reserves in the US?
Because accounting for fracking the amounts are changed, because oil that was not accessible before becomes accessible now
Regarding coal: Why is lignite coal considered "dirtier" than anthracite or bituminous coal?
Because it contains more water, more energy is required to burn, and more PMs released to the atmosphere
Regarding natural gas: How are the tar sands and fracking "oil booms" wasting natural gas?
Because they are reaching for the oil and having a way to use or store the gas in harder than the oil. What they do is just ignite that gas and don't use that precious resource for anything
Regarding coal: Why have coal jobs declined in the US during last century
Better equipment
When glucose, C6H12O6 , is "burned" (metabolized) in your body, the products are carbon dioxide and water. a. Write the balanced chemical equation
C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O
The combustion of coal releases several substances into the air: Of these substances, one is a gas that is produced in large amounts. Give its chemical formula and name
CO2 - Carbon Dioxide
When glucose, C6H12O6 , is "burned" (metabolized) in your body, the products are carbon dioxide and water. b. The chemical equation for burning wood is essentially the same as that of metabolizing glucose. Explain why
Cellulose is one of the primary components of wood. Cellulose is a polymer made up of glucose building blocks. As a result, burning cellulose gives products comparable to burning glucose.
Revisit Figure 5.10, which depicts the components of an electric power plant: For a coal-fired power plant, where would the coal appear in the figure?
In the burner, burning to generate heat
The combustion of coal releases several substances into the air: When coal burns, fine particles of soot may be released. What are the health concerns with PM
It can get deep into your lungs causing respiratory problems, and some may even get into your bloodstream.
Regarding oil: Explain the concept of Hubbert's peak oil and why it appears not to apply to current oil production:
It explains how after the peak of discovery the production peaks up and goes down, like a delayed copy of the same peak. Because looking at the production of oil now, it is starting to go down
Regarding oil: Where does oil come from?
Marine organisms that lay on the bottom of the sea, trap them in a form of "pressure cooker" and that plant and animal remains become oil and gas deposits
The combustion of coal releases several substances into the air: Another gas produced in small amounts is NO (nitrogen monoxide). However, coal contains very little nitrogen. What is the origin of the nitrogen in NO?
NO form smog and acid rain as well as being central to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground level ozone, both of which are associated with adverse health effects
Regarding natural gas: Where does natural gas come from?
Overcooked coal and oil
Regarding coal: Where does coal come ffrom?
Plants that have been in a geological pressure cooker
Regarding natural gas: Which country has the largest natural gas reserves?
Russia, Iran, Qatar
Regarding oil: Which 3 countries have the largest oil reserves?
South Arabia, Venezuela, and Canada
Regarding oil: In August 2019 it was estimated that the US led the world in crude oil production with > 12 mil barrels/day. How does this value compare to US oil consumption?
The US consumes more the 20 mil barrels/day. It is a deficit of over 8 mil barrels/day. Not considering amounts exported.
Describe how grades of coal differ. What is the significance of these differences? (lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, anthracite)
The most to the right (from this picture) the coal is, the more pressure and heat it received, meaning less water and other things inside it. The drier and "purer" the coal, the more efficient and less pollutant the coal is. The more water and other things inside, it is "dirtier" and more pollutant and less efficient it is.
Revisit Figure 5.10, which depicts the components of an electric power plant:Another loop brings in (and out) water from a lake or river. Explain why a large body of water is needed
The water that was under pressure is still really hot and in gas form, it needs to cool down to go through the cycle again condensate to boil and go over pressure again
Regarding coal: What are the three countries that produce most coal
US, China, and Russia
Revisit Figure 5.10, which depicts the components of an electric power plant:Water is part of two separate loops. One loop connects the boiler and turbine and is usually under pressure. Explain why.
When the water is under pressure, it will travel through the turbines, making them spin, spinning the shaft of the generator generating electricity
