2006-07-13 10:16:45 · 6 answers · asked by rjcoleman1218 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Coal is matter. Matter cannot be created nor destroyed only changed from one form to another. When it looks like we are destroying coal via combustion what really happens is we are releasing the energy in the form of heat and light and rearranging the chemistry into carbon dioxide and other compounds found in the coal. If we keep sending material into outer space maybe we will decrease the weight of the earth. But then again we may gain it back with materials hitting us from space.
2006-07-13 10:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by ATP-Man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As already pointed out, the Law of Conservation of Matter ensures that there is no net change in the earth's mass resulting from coal combustion.
To correct a few small mistakes here, a coal fired power plant that burns 60 tons of coal in a day (quite a small plant) releases thousands of tons of gases every day into the atmosphere, because thousands of tons of air are consumed as well. The total products of combustion (solids, gases, and a little liquids) will exactly equal the total fuel and oxidant consumed.
Another interesting note, loosely related to the question, is that coal contains a lot of natural uranium - usually 50-100 ppm. Burning that coal releases uranium into the atmosphere. A coal fired power plant releases far more radiation than an equivalent sized nuclear power plant.
2006-07-13 11:56:34 · answer #2 · answered by minefinder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. When you burn coal, the weight of the coal doesn't disappear - it just turns into other chemicals. It may be hard to imagine, but most of it gets turned into gases - carbon dioxide and water vapor and whatnot. So, instead of having 60 tons of coal in a pile, you now have 60 tons of gases floating in the atmosphere.
2006-07-13 10:27:14 · answer #3 · answered by extton 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that would go against the law of conservation of matter, all of the atoms of the coal still exist, its just that theyre now involved in different molecules (CO2, SO2, etc.), but the total amount of mass on the earth stays the same as the coal and the oxygen used to burn it.
2006-07-13 10:32:10 · answer #4 · answered by The Frontrunner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because the power station will release nearly 60 Tons of pollution into the atmosphere, it doesn't weigh any less, just covers more area.
2006-07-13 10:19:24 · answer #5 · answered by amtghota 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Conservation of mass and energy cannot be violated.
2006-07-13 10:23:00 · answer #6 · answered by craftman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋