4.15: Explain How the Combustion of Some Impurities in Hydrocarbon Fuels Results in the Formation of Sulfur Dioxide

HYDROCARBON FUELS: Impure hydrocarbon fuels that contain Sulfur compounds

COMBUSTION OF HYDROCARBON FUELS:

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• During combustion of Hydrocarbon fuels, impurities including Sulfur compounds will be oxidised to produce Sulfur Dioxide:

Sulfur   +   Oxygen   →   Sulfur Dioxide

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sEFFECTS OF SULFUR DIOXIDE:
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• Sulfur Dioxide released into the atmosphere will dissolve in Water droplets of clouds to make it more acidic (lower ph), resulting in Acid Rain

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EFFECT	EXPLANATION
Kills plants and trees	Leaches minerals and nutrients out of the soil, causing plants and trees to die
Kills aquatic organisms	Rivers and lakes become too acidic which causes aquatic organisms to die
Reduced plant and tree growth	Damages waxy layer of leaves, making it difficult for trees to absorb mineral ions needed for growth
Destroys buildings	Corrodes metals (steel) and limestone in buildings