Atmospheric pollution is emitted by cars - AQA - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 5
Atmospheric pollution is emitted by cars.
Some car emissions contain nitrogen dioxide.
Describe how nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is produced in the engine of a car that ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Atmospheric pollution is emitted by cars - AQA - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe how nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is produced in the engine of a car that burns fossil fuels.
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Answer
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is produced in car engines at high temperatures caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. During this process, nitrogen from the air reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide.
Step 2
Calculate the value (X) for the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air in the city centre on Sunday.
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Answer
To find the value of X, we can use the mean value equation:
X=(33×7)−(37+35+34+29)
Calculating this gives:
X=231−(37+35+34+29)=231−135=96⇒X=22 micrograms per m3
Step 3
Explain why this uncertainty is most significant for countryside data.
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Answer
The uncertainty of 2 micrograms per m³ is particularly significant for countryside data because these values are generally low. Thus, a small fluctuation can represent a larger proportion of the measured concentration, leading to a greater impact on the accuracy and reliability of the data.
Step 4
Complete the equation for the reaction.
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Answer
The balanced equation for the reaction in a catalytic converter is:
2NO2→N2+2O2
Step 5
What is meant by a 'finite resource'?
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A finite resource is a natural resource that is limited in quantity and will eventually be depleted if not managed sustainably. For example, platinum is a finite resource because it is not renewable and its extraction contributes to environmental impact.
Step 6
Explain why carbon dioxide emissions during use and operation are not the total carbon footprint for a car in your answer.
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Answer
The carbon footprint of a car includes several stages beyond just emissions during use and operation. It also encompasses:
Extraction of Raw Materials: The carbon emissions associated with obtaining the materials needed to manufacture the car.
Manufacturing: Carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing process of the car components.
Disposal: Emissions related to the end-of-life disposal or recycling of the car.
Therefore, to fully assess the environmental impact, all stages from production to disposal must be considered.