Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Uses of carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide has some important uses.
●
Carbonated drinks.
Large quantities are used to
make soda and mineral waters. The carbon dioxide
gas is bubbled into the liquid under pressure,
which increases its solubility.
●
Fire extinguishers.
It is used in extinguishers for
use on electrical fi res. Carbon dioxide is denser
than air and forms a layer around the burning
material. It covers the fi re and starves it of oxygen.
Carbon dioxide does not burn and so the fi re is put
out (Figure 13.15).
SUN
energy
radiated
some energy
absorbed
some energy
radiated back
into space
Earth
atmosphere
SUN
Earth
greenhouse
fuel
Figure 13.14
The greenhouse effect.
a
Any fi re needs fuel, oxygen and heat. If any of these is removed, the
fi re triangle is destroyed and the fi re will be extinguished.
These problems have been recognised by nations
worldwide. Recent agreements under the Kyoto
Protocol between nations mean that there will be
some reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide (and
other greenhouse gases) produced over the next few
years. However, there is still a long way to go.
Questions
1
'Burning fossil fuel in an aircraft engine is signifi cantly
worse than burning the fuel at ground level.'
Discuss this statement in terms of the greenhouse effect
and global warming.
2
Use your research skills to fi nd out about:
a
the carbon trading scheme
b
low-carbon homes
c
the Kyoto Protocol.
3
Use your research skills to discover changes that are taking
place to the ice caps and weather patterns worldwide.
b
Carbon dioxide fi re extinguishers starve the fi re of oxygen. They are
used mainly for electrical fi res.
Figure 13.15
