2007-03-28 10:30:33 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
1. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), such as nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide are formed by reaction of nitrogen with oxygen in the air used during combustion. NOx forms nitric acid or nitrous acid that will contribute to acid rain.
2. A range of sulphur oxides (SOx) are formed by reaction of sulphur impurities (or maybe additives) in the fuel with oxygen in the air SOx will form sulphuric or sulphurous acid that will also contribute to acid rain.
3. Carbon monoxide formed by partial combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel and is poisonous.
4. Soot, is essentially small carbon particles that are formed by incomplete combustion of the fuel and have been implicated in contributing to lung diseases as well as turning everything black.
5. Carbon dioxide formed by combustion of the fuel and is a greenhouse gas.
6. Unburnt hydrocarbons may also be greenhouse gases.
7. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are probably formed by a range of reactions, possibly including aromatic fuel additives and are very toxic.
2007-03-29 05:53:38 · answer #1 · answered by beernutuk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The combustion of fossil fuels in an engine depends on the correct fuel to air ratio.
Insufficient air causes the production of Carbon Monoxide as well as Carbon Dioxide.
In conjunction with this, the fuels also contain small amounts of sulphur compounds which, when burned, produce Sulphur Dioxide and other Sulphur componds. The Nitrogen of the air also reacts with the Oxygen and the fuels to produce Nitrogenous compounds.
I believe that some manufacturers of fuels still add Tetra-ethyl lead to improve anti-knock qualties of the fuels.. another nasty emission.
All of these reactions pour these pollutants into the atmosphere.
It's the amount of 'Nasties' in the air that causes envionmental problems. It's not just vehicle engines but, most of the industries in the world including aviation, also use fossil fuels ..all add to the problems.
Many modern vehicles are fitted with 'Catalytic Converters' that help to reduce these emissions.
2007-03-28 21:29:27 · answer #2 · answered by Norrie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When petrol is used up in the engine it releases other compounds such as carbon monoxide and water (i think). Carbon monoxide is a greenhouse gas which means it rises towards the edge of the earths atmosphere and gets trapped there. Whilest it is here radiation from the sun is able to pass through it towards the earth but cannot get back through these gases when it bounces off the earth. This leads to the heat being trapped in the earths atmosphere heating it up and causing global warming.
2007-03-28 10:48:03 · answer #3 · answered by Euan S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How Are Pollutants Formed
2017-02-20 15:57:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋