/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 63 Why is it dangerous to idle a ca... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 63

Why is it dangerous to idle a car's engine in a poorly ventilated place, such as the garage?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Idling a car's engine in a poorly ventilated place, such as a garage, is dangerous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide, a harmful, odorless, and colorless gas emitted from the car鈥檚 exhaust. In a poorly ventilated area, it can quickly reach lethal levels. When inhaled, it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death as it prevents the blood from transporting oxygen to vital body organs.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Car's Exhaust System

A car's engine functions through the process of internal combustion, where fuel and air are mixed and ignited to move the pistons. This process produces exhaust gases which are expelled out of the car's tailpipe.
02

Identification of harmful gases

Among these exhaust gases, one of the most harmful is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is highly toxic to humans and animals.
03

Understanding the effect of poor ventilation

In a poorly ventilated place, such as a garage, these harmful gases particularly carbon monoxide, can build up to high concentrations. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it can quickly reach dangerous levels without being noticed.
04

understanding the effect on humans

When inhaled, carbon monoxide prevents the blood from carrying oxygen to vital organs including the brain and heart, leading to unconsciousness, brain damage and even death.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Car Exhaust Gases
When a car鈥檚 engine runs, it releases a variety of gases as a byproduct of the fuel burning process. These are known as car exhaust gases. Some of these gases include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and most importantly, carbon monoxide. Unlike nitrogen and carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is a poisonous gas that has no color, smell, or taste. This makes it very difficult for individuals to detect its presence. It is essential to remember that breathing in carbon monoxide can be harmful, even in small amounts.

  • Carbon Monoxide: Highly toxic, colorless, odorless
  • Nitrogen: Generally harmless, makes up most of the atmosphere
  • Carbon Dioxide: Less dangerous than carbon monoxide, but in large amounts can also be harmful
Car exhaust gases are a major reason why internal areas need to be ventilated properly when a car is running.
Internal Combustion Engine
The internal combustion engine is a major invention that powers most vehicles today. It works by burning fuel in a chamber, which creates a small explosion. This explosion pushes the pistons in the engine, creating the force needed to move the car. It's a very efficient way to power a vehicle but does come with some downsides, primarily related to the emissions it produces.

One key byproduct of the internal combustion process is carbon monoxide. Despite its disadvantages, the internal combustion engine remains widely used due to its efficiency in converting fuel into motion. This means car owners need to be aware of the gases produced and how to manage them safely.
Effects of Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in spaces where engines operate, such as garages, can lead to an accumulation of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide. In a closed environment, these gases don't have an easy escape route, which means they can build up quickly to unsafe levels. This situation is hazardous and can result in life-threatening health effects.

When these gases accumulate:
  • Oxygen in the room is replaced by toxic gases.
  • Carbon monoxide concentrations can rapidly increase unnoticed.
  • Individuals in the area may experience symptoms like headache, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness.
It's important to understand that proper ventilation helps disperse these gases, significantly reducing potential risks.
Safety in Garages
Garages often serve as spaces where cars are stored, and sometimes, where vehicles idle or undergo maintenance. Ensuring safety in garages is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are a few essential safety tips:

  • Always ensure good ventilation when the car engine is running.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of any rise in CO levels.
  • Never leave the car running in a garage with the door closed.
  • Be aware of symptoms of CO poisoning, such as confusion or dizziness.
These steps can go a long way in ensuring safety from harmful car exhaust gases. This is especially necessary as carbon monoxide is undetectable without specialized equipment.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How do volcanic eruptions contribute to ozone destruction?

A concentration of \(8.00 \times 10^{2}\) ppm by volume of \(\mathrm{CO}\) is considered lethal to humans. Calculate the minimum mass of CO in grams that would become a lethal concentration in a closed room \(17.6 \mathrm{~m}\) long, \(8.80 \mathrm{~m}\) wide, and \(2.64 \mathrm{~m}\) high. The temperature and pressure are \(20.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(756 \mathrm{mmHg}\), respectively.

What is the difference between weather and climate? In the winter months of 2010 , record snows fell on the East Coast from Washington, D.C., to the Deep South. Can this occurrence be taken as evidence against global warming? Can you suggest one way in which global warming might actually be responsible for what happened?

Describe ways to curb the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere.

Explain why, for maximum performance, supersonic airplanes need to fly at a high altitude (in the stratosphere).
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.