EnergyfromFossilFuels.pptVIP

Energy from Fossil Fuels Energy from Chemistry Question What is “chemical” energy? A form of potential energy Potential energy is stored in the (valence) electrons of atoms and molecules Lecture Questions What are exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions? Exothermic reaction: produces energy, usually as heat or light Endothermic reaction: consumes energy as it proceeds Why do some reactions produce energy (and some consume it)? Chemical reactions Consists of breaking and forming bonds The formation of bonds always yields energy The breaking of bonds always requires energy The balance between these two processes determines the net energy yield/requirement of a chemical reaction The Fossil Fuels What are the main fossil fuels? Coal, oil (petroleum), natural gas How are they mostly used? Coal: electricity Oil: transportation, heating Natural gas: heating, electricity, cooking Global OECD Use of Coal Use of Natural Gas Use of Oil King Coal Lecture Questions What is coal? A solid mixture consisting largely (about 85%) of carbon Representative formula is C135H96O9NS Plenty of other impurities Toxic metals like Pb, Hg, As Radioactive isotopes of various types Three broad grades of coal Anthracite (hard coal). Highest carbon content and heat value. Bituminous coal (soft coal) Lignite (brown coal). Lowest carbon content and heat value. How is coal formed? Originated as plant matter in hot, muggy regions Most current coal formed 200-350 million years ago Plant matter decays under conditions of low oxygen, high heat and pressure First converted to peat Natural Gas What is natural gas? Gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons Mostly methane, CH4 (60-80%) Others: C2 HCs (5-9%), C3 HCs (3-18%), C4 HCs(2-14%) How is it formed? Decomposition of plant and animal remains that had been buried Again: lack of oxygen, high heat and pressure Methane is produced by anaerobic respiration Plenty produced in sediments and landfills Often accompanies coal and oil deposits Oil What is oil