Chemistry
Automobiles release CO and CO2 into the atmosphere.
(a) Explain the contribution of one of these gases to global warming.
(b) What is the danger associated with carbon monoxide ?
Answer
(a) Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. It has the largest contribution of about 50% towards greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide in atmosphere absorbs harmful infrared radiations, thus they remain on the earth. Trapped radiation warms both the earth's surface and the lower parts of the atmosphere.
(b) Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that binds with haemoglobin 200 times more strongly than oxygen, forming carboxyhaemoglobin. This reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leading to oxygen deprivation. Even small amounts can cause serious harm, especially to the brain and heart, and high concentrations can be fatal.
Related Questions
What is the effect of the following pollutants on living beings (one in each case)?
(a) Fluorides
(b) Smoke particles
(c) Lead
(d) Nitrogen oxide
(e) Smog
What is smog ? State its damaging effects.
How is global warming related to climate change?
State the impact of ozone depletion on:
(a) Plants
(b) Human health
(c) Aquatic ecosystem