All Flashcards
What are the effects of burning coal?
Releases CO2, NOx, SO2, particulates, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
What are the effects of burning oil?
Releases greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide (CO) and other pollutants.
What are the effects of burning natural gas?
Releases greenhouse gases, particularly methane.
What are the effects of fracking?
Groundwater contamination, increased earthquake risk, methane leaks, habitat disruption.
What is the relationship between fossil fuel combustion and climate change?
Combustion releases greenhouse gases, trapping heat and causing global warming.
What is the relationship between SO2/NOx emissions and acid rain?
SO2 and NOx react with water to form acid rain.
Define fossil fuels.
Non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organism remains.
Define non-renewable resource.
A resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means on a level equal to its consumption.
What is coal?
A fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter.
What is oil (petroleum)?
A fossil fuel formed from ancient aquatic organisms.
What is natural gas?
A fossil fuel mostly composed of methane (CH4), formed from ancient organic matter.
Define combustion.
A chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light.
What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?
Drilling into rock formations and injecting fluid to release trapped oil and gas.
Define air pollution.
The contamination of air by pollutants such as gases and particulate matter.
What is acid rain?
Precipitation containing harmful amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.
Define climate change.
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
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.