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How is coal formed?
Decomposed plant buildup over millions of years (Carbon, hydrogen, and water).
How is oil formed?
Heat and pressure on aquatic organisms over millions of years (Carbon and hydrogen).
How is natural gas formed?
Organic matter trapped under sedimentary layers (Mostly methane - CH4).
What is the process of hydraulic fracturing?
Drilling, injecting fluid, creating fractures, releasing oil/gas.
How does combustion of natural gas occur?
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O + Energy
How does combustion of methane occur?
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
How does combustion of coal occur?
C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g)
How does acid rain form?
SO2 and NOx react with water to form acid rain.
Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?
They take millions of years to form, making replenishment impossible on a human timescale.
Explain the process of combustion.
Fuel reacts with oxygen, releasing heat, light, and chemical byproducts.
What is incomplete combustion?
Combustion that produces pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and soot.
What are the main risks of fracking?
Groundwater contamination, increased earthquake risk, methane leaks, and habitat disruption.
Why is methane a concern?
It is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
What is the role of SO2 and NOx in acid rain?
They react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
What is the impact of oil spills?
Devastating to marine life and ecosystems.
Why is resource depletion a concern with fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are non-renewable, and consumption outpaces replenishment.
Why is natural gas considered cleaner than coal?
It releases fewer pollutants when burned, though it still emits greenhouse gases.
What is the significance of greenhouse gases?
They trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
Why are fossil fuels non-renewable?
They take millions of years to form.
What is the significance of combustion?
Releases energy from fossil fuels, but also pollutants.
Describe complete combustion.
Ideal scenario, produces non-toxic water vapor and heat.
Describe incomplete combustion.
Produces pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and soot.
Why is fracking controversial?
Significant environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and earthquakes.
Why is coal considered the 'dirtiest' fossil fuel?
Releases more pollutants (CO2, NOx, SO2, particulates) than oil or natural gas.
Why is natural gas considered the 'cleanest' fossil fuel?
Produces fewer pollutants than coal or oil when burned.
How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change?
Trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
What are the impacts of oil spills?
Devastating to marine life and ecosystems.
Why is resource depletion a concern with fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are non-renewable and being used faster than they can be replenished.