Combustion

Carbon monoxide (CO) Caused by incomplete combustion Produced by badly ventilated cookers and open fires. Reduced by use ensuring good ventilation CO is toxic because it stops red blood cells transporting oxygen

Combustion Issues

Particulates These are tiny pieces of solid or liquid matter suspended in the earth’s atmosphere They can exacerbate existing conditions like asthma, allergies and sinus trouble. In really bad cases, irregular heartbeats can start occurring, some particulates are carcinogenic: they can cause cancer.

Global dimming is thought to have been caused by an increase in particulates It has interfered with the water cycle by reducing evaporation and may have reduced rainfall in some areas Global dimming also creates a cooling effect that may have partially masked the effect of greenhouse gases on global warming

Global Warming Carbon dioxide is removed from the air by photosynthesis and through absorbtion into the oceans Causes of CO2 are: respiration and burning fossil fuels Humans can upset the balance by cutting down trees and driving cars fueled by petrol CO2 is a greenhouse gas because it absobs and emits the suns radiation aiding the greenhouse effect

Acid Rain Fossil Fuels such as coal and petrol contain Sulfur so produce sulfur dioxide (SO2) when combusted SO2+H2O+½O2H2SO4-formula for acid rain Oxides of nitrogen are formed by the combusting fuel reacting with nitrogen in the air Acid rain can react with limestone causing building to erode also it can make the soil acidic We can reduce the risk of acid rain by using green sources of electricity instead of burning fossil fuels

•Carbon Monoxide, along with water, is produced when a hydrocarbon undergoes incomplete combustion •Carbon monoxide is produced in the process of burning wood, coal and other naturally occurring substances.

•There are many dangers with carbon monoxide, some of which are short term problems and some of which can be permanently damaging or even fatal. Other problems include poisoning with symptoms that look like those of the flu, brain damage, heart problems, major organ dysfunction, memory problems, behavioural and personality changes and a range of other permanent problems.

•Major pathways for CO2 to be removed from the atmosphere: One is plant respiration. Plants absorb CO2 during their growth, and use it along with sunlight and water and other nutrients, to grow. The carbon in the CO2 is converted into plant matter, such as leaves, roots, etc. The plant matter will go back to CO2 during the decomposition process.

Secondly, the oceans have a tremendous capacity to absorb CO2. However, when CO2 is dissolved in water the more acidic it becomes.

•Volcanoes, human respiration, cars, burning fossil fuels and chemical reactions, like bicarbonate of soda and vinegar produce CO2

•We are doing more and more things that are releasing CO2 rather than absorbing it. To stop this we should do more things like walking instead of using cars and buses and trains.

•CO2 is a greenhouse gas because as the levels of carbon dioxide have been rising, the world has been becoming warmer, these are signs that carbon dioxide contributes the greenhouse effect.

•Particulates are tiny pieces of solid or liquid matter associated with the Earth's atmosphere. They contain solid or liquid particles that are emitted into the air.

•Particulates are a danger to us because they are small enough to pass through our lungs to our bloodstream. They can alter the body's defence systems against foreign materials, damage lung tissues, aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to cancer.

•Particulates can cause Global dimming. Like global warming, this process may change rainfall patterns around the world.

•It is likely that global dimming has hidden some of the effects of global warming, by stopping some of the Sun’s energy reaching the Earth’s surface in the first place therefore Global dimming may increase the effects of Global warming.

•The particles from burning fuels reflect sunlight, and they also cause more water droplets to form in the clouds. This makes the clouds better at reflecting sunlight back into space, therefore preventing sunlight getting to the Earth.

•When fuels with sulphur in them are burnt, the sulphur inside of them reacts with the oxygen to form sulphur dioxide.

•SO2 + 2H2O + 2O2

2H2SO4

•The fuels being burnt do not contain nitrogen but oxides of nitrogen are still formed, as the oxygen reacts with the nitrogen in the air at very high temperatures found in engines

•Acid rain is very harmful to us because it will make our oceans more acidic, therefore killing sea life and also erodes limestone buildings. To reduce acid rain we can use Biofuels instead of regular fuels as these to do not contain sulphur. No sulphur dioxide would be formed therefore reducing the amount of acid rain.

By Meg and Hannah

Produced during incomplete combustion 2 everyday examples: 1) make sure any chimneys are regularly swept because CO is produced when burning coal in a limited supply of oxygen 2) don't block or build around any air vents during construction because carbon monoxide can be trapped in the home  Why dangerous: poisonous gas as it stops red blood cells transporting oxygen around the body  

Processes that remove CO2 from air: 1) photosynthesis by plants and algae 2) trapped in limestone 3) absorbed by oceans  Processes that release CO2 into air: 1) burning fossil fuels 2) death and decay of living organisms  How are we upsetting the balance: excessive amounts of fossil fuel combustion  Greenhouse gas: as it emits and absorbs radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect 

Particulates: little particles of carbon(soot) Danger: global dimming and can cause lung disease if inhaled  Global dimming is when there is a decrease in the amount of sunlight due to pollution in the atmosphere e.g. Particulates  This has an impact on global warming because fossil fuels must be burnt to create global dimming so an increase in greenhouse gases will add to global warming  It will impact the water cycle in many ways, for example; it leads to acid rain making the water impure  

Sulphur Dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels because sulphur is contained in most fossil fuels, so, when burnt, it is released into the air.  2SO2 + 4H2O + O2  2H2SO4  Nitrogen and oxygen (from the air) combine at high temperatures to form oxides of nitrogen  Acid rain is harmful because it causes air pollution which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis. It is also harmful to forests because it dissolves the nutrients that plants need to be healthy. It also increases acidity in lakes and rivers. We can reduce acid rain by reducing the amount of fossil fuels that are burnt and by cleaning smoke pipes and exhaust pipes 

Fuel Combustion Issues: Independent Learning Task

By Alice, Rosie and Samantha, 10T

Carbon Monoxide How is it produced?

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, such as coal, wood, charcoal and propane.

Examples and Solutions Badly ventilated gas fires and gas boilers can produce CO if they are not serviced and checked.

Why is CO 2 Dangerous?

Red blood cells carry oxygen. CO is toxic because if it enters your bloodstream it stops your red blood cells from carrying oxygen, so eventually you would die.

Global Warming Removal of CO 2 from the air CO2 is removed by plants carrying out photosynthesis (plants take water and carbon dioxide and use energy from the sun to convert them into sugars). It is also absorbed by the oceans; once it is there it can be used by sea creatures to make shells (calcium carbonate).

Release of CO 2 into the air CO2 is released by the burning of carbon fuels, respiration of animals and plants, and the weathering of carbonate rocks, especially by acid rain.

How are we upsetting the balance?

Deforestation, and the discovery and burning of fossil fuels, has upset the natural carbon cycle, as there is excess CO2.

Why is CO 2 a greenhouse gas?

CO2 is a greenhouse gas because it keeps the Earth warm by preventing the sun’s heat from escaping back out into space.

Particulates What do they contain?

Despite the fact that air pollution is much less severe today than it was ten years ago, a different sort of pollution is going into our homes, and might even be created in them. It is known as particulate pollution and is a mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets that are in the air. Measuring under 10 microns in diameter, these small particles contain dust, dirt, soot, smoke, mould spores, pollen, and other materials.

What danger are they to us?

Although you can’t see them, they invade your lungs, bloodstream and other parts of your body, causing all sorts of health problems.

What is global dimming, and what impact might it have on global warming?

Fossil fuel creates pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, soot, and ash.

Clouds are formed when water droplets are mixed with air-borne particles, such as pollen. Polluted air results in clouds with larger number of droplets than unpolluted clouds. This then makes those clouds more reflective. More of the sun’s heat and energy is therefore reflected back into space. This reduction of heat reaching the earth is known as Global Dimming.

What impact might it have on the water cycle, and what might this lead to?

Global dimming is harming the water cycle of the earth. It reduces the rain, which is very important for the fresh water. In 2001, researchers did a study at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the research suggested that the pollutants have a bad effect on the water cycle. Another global dimming event happened in 2006, in the northern hemisphere during hurricane season. The NASA study found that the big dust storms happened in the Sahara Desert during June and July caused the dust to go over the Atlantic Ocean. The dust forms a cover over the ocean and causes it to cool down. This reduces the hurricanes' development.

Acid Rain How is sulphur dioxide produced from burning fossil fuels?

Sulphur dioxide is produced when fuels that contain sulphur compounds burn. When sulphur dioxide dissolves in water droplets in clouds, it makes the rain more acidic than normal. This is called acid rain.

A balanced equation for sulphuric acid in the air?

SO2 reacts with water vapour & oxygen gas to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4) in the air 2SO2 + 2H2O + O2  2H2SO

How do oxides of nitrogen form?

The most important forms of nitrogen in the air are nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and together we call them NOx. Nitrogen oxides are formed in the atmosphere mainly from the breakdown of nitrogen gas (N2). Because the two nitrogen atoms in N2 are bound very strongly together, it isn't easy to break them down into atoms. Very high temperatures can break the molecule down eg. vehicle engines.

What are the harmful effects of acid rain?

Acid rain is harmful to: People - Air pollution like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxides can cause respiratory diseases or can make them worse eg asthma, chronic bronchitis.

The pollution that causes acid rain can also create tiny particles. When these particles get into people’s lungs, they can cause health problems, or can make existing health problems worse.

Trees - Acid rain can be extremely harmful to forests. Acid rain that seeps into the ground can dissolve nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium, that trees

need to be healthy. Acid rain also causes aluminium to be released into the soil, which makes it difficult for trees to take up water.

Lakes and streams - Without pollution or acid rain, most lakes and streams would have a pH level near 6.5. Unfortunately, this increase in acidity levels can be deadly to aquatic wildlife Damage building and objects - Chemicals found in acid rain can cause paint to peel and stone statues to begin to appear old and worn.

How can acid rain be reduced?

Acid rain can be reduced through understanding acid deposition, cleaning up smokestacks and exhaust pipes, using alternative energy sources and more.

Fuel Combustion Issues

By Farhannah Badruzaman and Moniba Asgari

Carbon Monoxide 

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CO is produced when there is limited oxygen. ◦ 2C + O2  2CO ◦ This is called incomplete combustion CO is produced… ◦ When gas fires and boilers are not cleaned properly.  Solution: They must be serviced regularly ◦ When exhaust fumes are released from cars and trucks.  Solution: A fewer amount of cars used by people and more walking and cycling where possible.

CO is dangerous because it is extremely poisonous and stops a person’s blood cell obtaining the oxygen needed to produce energy.

Global Warming 

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Processes that remove CO2 from the atmosphere: ◦ Plants and trees carry out photosynthesis and remove it from the atmosphere ◦ Oceans absorb CO2 as they have a large capacity, CO2 is dissolved and becomes carbonic acid Processes that release CO2 into the atmosphere: ◦ Combustion of alkanes and hydrocarbons ◦ Respiration by living things Humans are disrupting the carbon cycle because the same amount of CO2 is being removed but more and more is being released through release of fuels by industrial estates and so not enough is being removed fast enough therefore more CO2 is released each year.

CO2 is a greenhouse gas because it contributes to global warming by helping other greenhouse gases stop heat returning back into space through the atmosphere.

Particulates Particulates contain mainly carbon.

They are dangerous because they are produced during incomplete combustion and are a pollutant. They stick to other solid materials (as they are solids) making them look dirty. If inhaled or ingested, they can cause organ and tissue damage since they have big ionising potential.  Particulates create global dimming. This is when air pollution builds up and causes the intensity of the sun actually reaching the Earth’s surface to lower.  Global dimming could help stop global warming because if the sun’s intensity is stopped then less infrared radiation from the sun will be trapped in our atmosphere and so the global warming process will be slowed down.  Global dimming could slow evaporation, because less sunlight is warming the ocean waters, and so it could interrupt the water cycle. This could lead to droughts around the world.  

Acid Rain Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is produced when gasoline, diesel fuel and coal or oil, all of which contain sulphur, are burned in vehicles. Sulphur is not needed and so is let out as a waste product.  Balanced Equation for Sulphur Dioxide, H20 and O2: ◦ 2SO2 + 2H2O + O2  2H2SO4  Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are formed in the atmosphere from the breakdown of nitrogen gas (N2). A few bacteria have developed special mechanisms to do this. Very high temperatures allow its reaction with oxygen  NOx  Acid rain causes rivers and lakes to become more acidic which could harm marine life. It also accelerates the decay of building materials, statues and sculptures, including those that are to do with the history of a nation and are precious and irreplaceable. 

Thanks for Watching! ď Š

FUEL COMBUSTION ISSUES: INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK Research answers to the following points, which will form the basis of your notes Carbon Monoxide * How is it produced?

It is produced when hydrocarbons are not fully combusted. *Give 2 everyday examples of this & solutions to it Poorly ventilated water heaters and gas fires. A solution is to make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room where the appliance is, so that complete combustion can happen. *Outline why CO is “dangerous” CO is dangerous because if we breathe it in it is toxic. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, and therefore difficult to tell it’s there. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by your body’s red blood cells being deprived of oxygen by the carbon monoxide, this happens in two ways. Firstly carbon monoxide binds to red blood cells very strongly and therefore stopping oxygen from binding to the cells. Secondly as the carbon monoxide is blocking the binding of oxygen the body doesn’t get enough oxygen and you can die.

Global Warming *List processes that remove CO2 from the air One way in which carbon monoxide is removed from the atmosphere is by plants during the process of photosynthesis.

Another way it is removed is by dissolving into the oceans to form carbonates.

* List processes that release CO2 into the air The process of respiration by animals and human beings, combustion of fossil fuels produces CO2. * How are we upsetting this balance?

We are cutting down forests and burning more fossil fuels. *Outline why CO2 is a greenhouse gas The earth’s atmosphere traps heat from the sun’s rays, allowing the earth to be at the correct temperature for us to survive.

Carbon Dioxide traps more heat within the atmosphere which raises the temperature of the earth, potentially making it too hot.

Particulates eg soot * What do they contain?

Soot particulates contain carbon. * What danger are they to us?

They cause global dimming reducing the amount of sun light on the earth’s service. These particulates are also not good for our respiratory system, causing difficulties like asthma. * They also cause global dimming. Outline global dimming Global dimming is when the amount of sun light on the Earth’s surface is reduced due to the amount of particulates in the atmosphere.

* What impact might it have on global warming?

Global dimming actually dampens global warming by not allowing so much sun to hit the surface of the earth, which means the earth is not so hot. * What impact might it have on the water cycle & what might this lead to?

If there was more particulate matter (soot) in the atmosphere this would interfere with the water cycle as follows: the extra soot in the atmosphere would lead to cooling of the earth because of blocking the sun’s rays. Plant life would suffer, also there would be less evaporation of water from lakes and oceans meaning less clouds and therefore less rainfall. * Outline how sulphur dioxide is produced from burning fuels Most hydrocarbon fuels naturally contain some sulphur compounds. When the fuel burns, the sulphur it contains is oxidised to form sulphur dioxide: Sulphur + Oxygen  Sulphur Dioxide

* SO2 reacts with water vapour & oxygen gas to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4) in the air Write a balanced equation for this reaction 2SO2 + 2H2O + O2  2H2SO4 * Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are also formed when fuels burn, even though they do not contain nitrogen. How do oxides of nitrogen form?

The oxides of nitrogen form by the nitrogen and oxygen in the air reacting at high temperatures when fossil fuels are burned.

*Outline the harmful effects of acid rain & how we reduce it Acid rain is harmful because it is corrosive towards metals and rocks and can therefore damage them. Acid rain can also affect the outer waxy layer of leaves which means they are less able to absorb the nutrients and moisture they need for survival. And finally acid rain also goes into rivers and lakes changing their PH balance and the environment needed to support life.

We can reduce the effects of acid rain by burning low sulphur fuels. We can also remove from the waste gasses released in power stations by using powdered limestone.

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How is it produced? › Carbon monoxide is produced when a hydrocarbon undergoes incomplete combustion and there is a limited amount of oxygen available.

Two everyday examples: › Fireplaces › Gas stoves Solutions › Making sure they are well ventilated Why is CO dangerous? › It is a toxic gas that stops the red blood cells from transporting oxygen round the body

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Processes that remove CO2 from the atmosphere › Photosynthesis › Absorbed by the oceans.

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Processes that release CO2 into the atmosphere › Respiration of living things › Death and decay of living things › Burning fossil fuels

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How are we upsetting the balance? › By burning too many fossil fuels and deforestation

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Why is CO2 a greenhouse gas? › Too much will CO2 stop the heat from escaping the earths

atmosphere and cause the temperature to rise

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What do they contain? › Particulates are very small pieces of solids and are mainly

carbon

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Why are they a danger to us? › Particulate matter can cause health effects if inhaled.

They can cause heart and lung disease.

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Particulates can cause global dimming. What is Global dimming? › Particulates are given off when fuels are burned. These

reflect light from the sun meaning that less light reaches the Earth’s surface.

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Impact on global warming? › Particulates have hidden the effects of global warming by

stopping some of the suns energy from reaching the Earth.

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Impact on water cycle? › Particulates cause more water to form in the clouds.

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Outline how sulphur dioxide is produced from burning fuels.

› its produced when fuels that contain sulphur compounds

burn. When sulphur dioxide dissolves in water droplets in clouds.

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Write a balanced equation for this reaction(H2SO4) › 2S02 +2H20 +02  2H2SO4

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How do oxides of nitrogen form?

› Nitrogen oxides are simple chemical compounds, usually

gases, formed in a reaction of nitrogen with oxygen at high temperatures

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Outline the harmful effects of acid rain & how we reduce it › Acid rain can cause harmful illness’ like asthma and

bronchitis. It can also cause serious lung damage. We can stop it by stop burning waste especially fossil fuels.

How is Carbon Monoxide Produced?

CO is produced during the incomplete combustions of fuels (burning in limited oxygen)

Examples of Carbon Monoxide: 1) Boilers having insufficient oxygen supply.

Solution: check your boilers are well ventilated 2) Products with internal combustion engines such as generators, cars and lawn mowers. Solution: never operate a portable generator in an enclosed space, for example a garage.

Processes That Remove CO2 from the Air -Photosynthesis -Oceans absorbing and turning them into carbonate rocks and shells for sea-life.

How are we upsetting the balance?

The delicate balance of the carbon cycle is starting to be tipped. Human activities causing this are deforestation and burning fossil fuels which releases ‘locked up’ CO₂.

Why is Carbon Monoxide Poisonous?

It stops red blood cells transporting oxygen to your organs, essentially; suffocating you.

Processes That Release CO2 into the Air -Respiration of living things -Decomposing animals -Burning fossil fuels

How is Carbon Dioxide a greenhouse gas?

CO₂ traps some of the heat waves that are emitted by the sun in the earth’s atmosphere. Without CO₂, the earth would be too cold to support life as we know it. Therefore carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas as it contributes to global warming. However, it does not solely cause it.

What Do Particulates Contain?

Particulate matter, also known as soot, refers to fine particles in the air that are detrimental to your health.

They consist of microscopically small solid particles or liquid droplets.

Why Are Particulates Dangerous?

They are small enough to pass from our lungs to our bloodstream and can alter the body's defence systems against foreign materials, damage lung tissues, aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to cancer. The people who are most at risk are people with asthma, influenza, lung, heart, or cardiovascular disease, the elderly and children.

What Is Global Dimming?

Fossil fuel use, as well as producing greenhouse gases, creates other byproducts. These by-products are also pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, soot, and ash. These pollutants however, also change the properties of clouds. Polluted air results in clouds with larger number of droplets than unpolluted clouds. This then makes those clouds more reflective. More of the sun’s heat and energy is therefore reflected back into space.

This reduction of heat reaching the earth is known as Global Dimming.

What Impact Might Global Dimming Have on Global Warming?

Some scientists are worried that Global Dimming may be masking the effects of Global Warming. This means that as the air gets less polluted with soot and other particulates the effects of Global Warming will become more obvious and may be worse than first appeared.

What Impact May Global Warming Have on the Water Cycle & What Might This Lead To? Carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere when it dissolves in both rain water and sea water. As a result rain water becomes slightly acidic, and the oceans are a huge reservoir of dissolved carbon dioxide.

How is sulphur dioxide produced?

Sulphur is contained in most fossil fuels.

Therefore, when we burn them, sulphur reacts with oxygen to form Sulphur dioxide, which is very acidic.

Harmful effects of Acid rain...

Acid rain is harmful in many ways. It is harmful to our natural eco-systems and to our health. When acid rain (or acid fog, or acid snow) gets into lakes and rivers, it causes harm to fish and other aquatic life. Acid rain can be harmful to people suffer from asthma and can cause breathing difficulties in children and the elderly. In some cases, it can even damage lung tissue and cause premature death. Acid rain can also ruin plant nutrients, hurting their chance to survive and give life to other organisms.

Sulphur dioxide reacts with water vapour and oxygen gas to form sulphuric acid in the air. A balanced equation for this is: 2SO₂ + 2H₂O + O₂

2H₂SO₄

Formation of NOx Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are also formed when fuels burn, even though they do not contain nitrogen. This is because, when fuels are burnt in vehicle engines, high temperatures are reached. At these high temperatures, nitrogen from the air reacts with oxygen to form Nitrogen monoxide. When this nitrogen monoxide is released from the vehicle exhaust system, it reacts with more oxygen in the air to form nitrogen dioxide.

How can we reduce Acid Rain?

There are several ways to reduce acid rain using alternative energy resources than fossil fuels, i.e.

Renewable resources. We could also clean out exhaust pipes and smokestacks using devices called ‘scrubbers’ that chemically remove SO2.

Even small individual actions could reduce acid rain, such as being energy efficient, insulating homes well and using public transport.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) Carbon monoxide is produced when combustion takes place with an insufficient oxygen supply. Whilst hydrogen is still oxidised, instead of carbon forming CO₂ the carbon in the fuel forms CO. One everyday example of how CO can be produced is gas central heating which lacks good ventilation. You can solve this by frequently checking that boilers have sufficient ventilation.

Secondly, leaking chimneys means that CO from a fire can be released into the house rather than the air, you can stop this by regularly checking your chimney for leaks or by having a CO alarm.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CONTINUED) ď ą CO is dangerous because it stops your red blood cells transporting oxygen around your body. If you are exposed to CO it can kill you instantly.

GLOBAL WARMING  CO₂ removal • Oceans absorb it and turn it into carbonate rocks and shells for sea creatures • Plants photosynthesising  CO₂ sources• Respiration by living things • Death and decay of living things • Volcanic eruptions • Comes out of the solution from oceans • Burning fossil Fuels

GLOBAL WARMING (CONTINUED)  The carbon cycle is beginning to become unbalanced causing CO₂ levels to rise. This is due to the fact that humans are producing too much CO₂ (e.g. burning too many fossil fuels) and destroying ways of CO₂ removal (e.g. deforestation)

 CO₂ is a greenhouse gas because it absorbs some Infra red radiation from the sun and prevents some of it from leaving the Earth’s surface

PARTICULATES ď ą Particulates contain particles of unburnt fuels in the form of liquid or solid droplets which hang in the air some examples are soot, dust, dirt or smoke ď ą Particulates can be dangerous because they can enter the airways and get lodged deep in the lung tissue. This can often cause coughing fits, irregular heartbeat and chronic bronchitis and can also increase the chances of asthma.

PARTICULATES (CONTINUED) ď ą Global dimming is the gradual reduction of the amount of sunlight reaching earth caused by greenhouse gases which form a layer over the earths surface and can reflect and absorb infra red waves. ď ą Global dimming hides the effects of global warming, meaning that we are unable to tell the full extent of what global warming is doing to earth

PARTICULATES (CONTINUED) ď ą Global dimming’s effect on the water cycle is that due to the reduced solar radiation on the earths surface, the oceans have less chance of evaporation meaning less water is released into the atmosphere putting a threat to rainfall and in turn freshwater supplies

ACID RAIN  Sulphur dioxide is produces from burning fuels when fuels containing sulphur compounds are burned. The sulphur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the air which produces acid rain.  The equation for sulphur dioxide reacting with water vapour & oxygen gas to form sulphuric acid in the air is: 2SO₂ + 2H₂O + O2  2H₂SO4

ACID RAIN (CONTINUED)  Nitrogen oxides are formed in the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen. Under normal conditions they do not react with each other. So to form nitrogen oxides it has to be in extreme conditions mainly very hot. Nitrogen oxides are normally formed during the flashes in a lighting storm, because the temperatures reach about 30,000°C. It can also be formed when you burn gasoline or diesel in a car engine, even though the temperatures only reach about 2000°C the reaction can still happen.

ACID RAIN (CONTINUED)  Acid rain causes some trees to die because it damages the waxy layer on the trees leafs which stop them from absorbing many of the minerals that it needs to survive.  Acid rain also reacts with metals and limestone which causes it to damage buildings and sculptures.  We can reduce acid rain by removing sulphur dioxide from the waste gases after the combustion of fuels. The sulfur dioxide is treated with a powdered limestone to form calcium sulfate. This is what they do in power stations.