Question

1. Write a balanced chemical equation for each of the following.

Liquid methanol (CH3OH) reacts with oxygen gas to form carbon dioxide gas and liquid water.

2. Scientists are concerned about the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide because carbon dioxide enhances the atmospheres ability to heat. What is (are) the source(s) of the increase? Choose all that apply. a- the burning of fossil fuels b- fertilizers c- volcanic eruptions d- industrial wastewater e- acid rains

Answer 1

1. The given reaction is the combustion of methanol. Methanol is an alcohol which on burning is completely converted into carbon dioxide and water. The balanced equation for this is given as

2CH₃OH + 3O₂ -----> 2CO₂ + 4H₂O

2. The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide is increased due to activities which produce gaseous carbon dioxide like the burning of fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions. Both these events involve the complete combustion of hydrocarbons or carbon-rich organic compounds. Acid rain occurs due to the burning of fossil fuels and other oxides of nitrogen and sulfur which dissolve in the rainwater and form their respective mineral acids. So acid rain can be seen as the result of increased carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. The production of fertilizers usually do not result in the production of carbon dioxide as they are all nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur rich compounds. Industrial wastewater may be the result of processes that contribute to carbon dioxide production but by itself does not evolve any. Therefore, of the processes given, the burning of fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions alone contribute to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration in air.