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Chapter 4: Problem 7

List three major drawbacks of using coal as a fuel.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Environmental pollution, health hazards, and unsustainability due to limited resources are major drawbacks of using coal as a fuel.

Step by step solution

01

Identify environmental impacts

Coal-burning releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO鈧�) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming and climate change, causing extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels.
02

Recognize health hazards

The combustion of coal releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO鈧�), nitrogen oxides (NO鈧�), and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems in humans.
03

Acknowledge resource limitations

Coal is a non-renewable resource, which means it takes millions of years to form. Continuous extraction and consumption at current rates will eventually lead to depletion, making it an unsustainable energy source in the long term.

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Key Concepts

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

Environmental Impacts of Coal
Using coal as a key energy source has significant effects on the environment. When coal is burned, it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO_2), which is a major greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This process is known as global warming. As a result of this warming, climate patterns around the world are shifting.
  • More frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming common.
  • Ecosystems are unable to adapt quickly enough, leading to loss of biodiversity.
  • Sea levels are rising due to the melting of ice caps and glaciers, threatening coastal communities.
These environmental impacts highlight the urgent need to reduce reliance on coal and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Health Hazards of Coal Combustion
Burning coal doesn't just affect the planet; it also poses serious health risks to humans. The process releases a variety of harmful substances into the air.
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO_2) is one such pollutant, known for causing acid rain and respiratory problems when inhaled.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) contribute to smog formation and respiratory issues, particularly in children and the elderly.
  • Particulate matter, tiny particles in the air, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, exacerbating heart and lung diseases.
Moreover, long-term exposure to these pollutants increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses and can significantly reduce life expectancy.
Understanding these health hazards is crucial in advocating for policies that protect public health and promote cleaner air standards.
Non-renewable 91影视
Coal is classified as a non-renewable resource, which means it cannot be replenished in a human timescale. It forms over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals subjected to heat and pressure.
  • The existing coal reserves are being used faster than they are naturally replenished, leading to concerns about future availability.
  • Continuous extraction impacts local environments, causing ecosystem damage and landscape alterations.
  • The limited supply also means prices can be volatile, affecting economies reliant on coal.
As coal resources dwindle, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are abundant and sustainable, becomes crucial. Emphasizing energy efficiency and innovation can also help mitigate the challenges presented by finite resources.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain why cracking is necessary in the refinement of crude oil.

At present, the United States is dependent on foreign oil. One possible consequence is periodic gasoline shortages. These shortages affect more than individual motorists. List two ways in which a gasoline shortage could affect your life.

A coal-burning power plant generates electrical power at a rate of 500 megawatts (MW) or \(5.00 \times 10^{8} \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{s}\). The plant has an overall efficiency of \(37.5 \%(0.375)\) for the conversion of heat to electricity. a. Calculate the electrical energy (in joules) generated in 1 year of operation and the heat energy used for that purpose. b. Assuming the power plant burns coal that releases \(30 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{g}\), calculate the mass of coal (in grams and metric tons) that is burned in 1 year of operation.

a. Write the chemical equation for the complete combustion of \(n\)-heptane, \(\mathrm{C}_{7} \mathrm{H}_{16}\). b. The heat of combustion for \(n\)-heptane is \(4817 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\). How much heat is released if \(250 \mathrm{~kg}\) of \(n\)-heptane burns completely?

Explain each energy transformation step that takes place when coal is burned in a power plant.
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