Question

List the products of combustion of fossil fuels. What are their adverse effects on the environment?

Answer 1

Hint: The major gas released is carbon dioxide along with small amounts of $CH_{4}$ and $N_{2}O$ and are emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels that contribute to the major greenhouse gases.

Complete Answer:
- Fossil fuel combustion leads to release of carbon dioxide, soot, oxides of sulphur and smoke Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that leads to global warming. This leads to an increase in the temperature of earth and melting of polar ice caps, raising the sea level.
- The oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur leads to acid rain formation due to air pollution. Acid rain is found to be harmful to the monuments as it leads to their corrosion. It makes the soil acidic and therefore, affecting its productivity.
- Particulate matter or soot are small-sized particles which cause various respiratory diseases like bronchitis, asthma etc. Because these particles reach the lungs during breathing.

Additional information:
Combustion is a chemical reaction taking place between substances which includes oxygen and is accompanied by heat and light generation. The fossil fuels include hydrocarbons, fuel oil, primarily coal, which are formed from the remains of dead animals and plants of the past.

Note: Carbon monoxide (poisonous gas) is formed as a result of incomplete combustion.
- Nitrogen dioxide results in respiratory tract diseases and infections.
- Nitric oxide causes formation of smog and acid rain.