Case Study: Fossil Fuels (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

Case Study: Fossil Fuels Page 3

A good way to compare various fuels is through their heats of combustion: the best fuel has the highest heat of

combustion. Fossil fuels yield the most energy per unit of mass in comparison to other sources of energy, as seen in the

"Heat of Combustion" table below.

Fuel

kJ/g

Municipal Waste

-12.7

Cellulose

-17.5

Pinewood

-21.2

Methanol

-22.7

Bituminous coal

-28.3

Isooctane (component of gasoline)

-47.8

Natural gas

-49.5

What are the Limitations of Fossil Fuels?

Fossil fuels a scarce energy resource--since it takes around 300 million years to renew, and the worlds consumption of

this hot commodity does not show any drop off in the near future. It is uncertain when our supply of fossil fuels will be

completely depleted, but has been estimated to be within the next 100 years.

Fossil fuels have also taken a toll on the environment. Although fossil fuels follow a straightforward combustion process,

the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is rather harmful to the environment. Fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas,

and coal often contain sulfur compounds. When burned, the sulfur is oxidized to sulfur dioxide, SO2. When sulfur dioxide

comes into contact with water, it can convert to sulfurous acid, H2SO3, causing corrosive acid rain. Nitrogen oxides,

NOx, also contribute to acid rain. The combustion of fossil fuels, has contributed to

external link:

global warming

and acid rain. Check out this

external link:

video

to learn more about the effects of fossil fuels on the environment.

References

• Petrucci, et al. General Chemistry: Principles & Modern Applications. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 2007.

• Diane Gibson, Fossil Fuels. North Mankato, Minn: Smart Apple Media, 2001.

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Natural Gas

•

Oil

•

Coal

Case Study: Fossil Fuels Page 3