Ideal gas law and environment?
The Ideal Gas Law, as it is by itself does not impact the environment as it is simply a law/prediction used by scientists to determine the different properties of gases. However, the several applications of the Ideal Gas Law as related to the different industries is what causes environmental challenges and implications. For example: the internal combustion engine.
Environment/socialHow does the internal combustion engine affect the environment?
There exist two main environmental concerns regarding the internal combustion engine that is so widely used today. Firstly, the gas emissions (exhaust) produced that is expelled, and secondly, the use of nonrenewable fuels. What are some social concerns caused by the internal combustion engine? The polluants that result from the internal combustion engine can lead to many health concerns and issues for people living in urban areas. It also greatly concerns the social issue of climate change and the destruction of many animal habitats. |
Gas emissions
During the combustion stage of the engine's cycle, a lot of gas is produced. With ideal, or perfect, combustion, all of the hydrogen and all of the carbon in the gasoline would combine with oxygen to form harmless water and carbon dioxide. as shown by the following equation:
2 C8H18 (g) + 25 O2 = 16 CO2 + 18H2O However, complete combustion does not always occur. Instead some of the gasoline does not burn, or only burn partially (incomplete combustion). The unburned gasoline and partly burned gasoline cause pollution of the air as they exit through the tail pipe with the exhaust gases. Because of this, cars must be equipped with anti pollution devices called emission controls, reducing the amount of polluants being emitted into the air. |
The polluants that are created by the car engine in the exhaust are:
1. CO2 — carbion dioxide
The large quantity of CO2 emissions caused by car engines and other industrial activities is causing a substantial effect on the planet's climate.
2. CO — carbon monoxide
CO is produced by the incomplete combustion that occurs inside the internal combustion engine. CO is highly toxic to humans, and the concentration of CO released by vehicle engines in urban areas can pose a health threat to its inhabitants.
3. NOx — oxides of nitrogen
The nitrogen emitted as exhaust from the car engines are usually a result of its oxidation at high temperatures inside the engine. NO and NO2 are toxic to humans, and other nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of smog.
4. SO2 — sulphur dioxide, C6H6 — Benzene and its derivatives, HC — hydrocarbons
1. CO2 — carbion dioxide
The large quantity of CO2 emissions caused by car engines and other industrial activities is causing a substantial effect on the planet's climate.
2. CO — carbon monoxide
CO is produced by the incomplete combustion that occurs inside the internal combustion engine. CO is highly toxic to humans, and the concentration of CO released by vehicle engines in urban areas can pose a health threat to its inhabitants.
3. NOx — oxides of nitrogen
The nitrogen emitted as exhaust from the car engines are usually a result of its oxidation at high temperatures inside the engine. NO and NO2 are toxic to humans, and other nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of smog.
4. SO2 — sulphur dioxide, C6H6 — Benzene and its derivatives, HC — hydrocarbons
Burning of fossil fuels
The internal combustion engines use fossil fuels (gasoline) to work. However, the fossil fuels used are a non-renewable source of energy. Due to the large-scale use of fossil fuels for different sources, it is predicted that these fossil fuels may be used up in around 50 years. The burning of fossil fuels is also directly related to the air pollution mentioned above. Because of these reasons, the internal combustion engine poses many environmental and ethical concerns.
It is neccessary to find new ways to provide the large amount of energy required soon.
It is neccessary to find new ways to provide the large amount of energy required soon.