- Published: January 15, 2022
- Updated: January 15, 2022
- University / College: Pennsylvania State University
- Language: English
- Downloads: 25
Purpose
The purpose is to investigate how burning of coal as a fossil fuel contributes to the emission of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere.
Introduction
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas primarily emitted through human activities. The main human activity that emits CO2 is the combustion of fossil fuels which are, coal, natural gas and oil, for energy and transportation. Over the last 40 years, there has been significant growth in carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.
According to Rapier (2014), global carbon dioxide emissions have increased from around 12 billion metric tons in 1965 to around 34 billion metric tons in 2010. These figures show that CO2 emissions have been increasing over the last 40 years and I would therefore expect to see an increase in the same unless drastic measures are taken globally. Rapier further states that prior to 2002 since 2002, one billion incremental tons have been three times in 2003, 2004 and 2010. These figures had never been reached before. This is clear indication that the rate of emissions is expected to continue rising.
In the United States, CO2 emissions have increased from around 5. 8 billion metric tons in 1990 to around 6. 2 billion metric tons in 2005. The figures in billion metrics tons are approximately 5. 8, 5. 9, 6. 1 and 6. 2 in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 respectively.
Hypothesis
If a sample of coal, a fossil fuel, is burned, a lot of CO2 will be emitted into the atmosphere.
Methods
A Bunsen burner was used to burn 1 gram of coal. A funnel placed on top of the burning coal was used to collect the carbon dioxide produced. Data was then collected of the amount of carbon dioxide produced in intervals of 10 minutes. 1 gram of coal was added to the burning volume every 10 minutes.
Results/Outcome
The higher the volume of coal burnt overtime, the higher the volume of carbon dioxide was produced and collected.
Discussion/Analysis
The data collected was as expected. The burning of coal as a type of fossil does contribute to the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
References
Rapier R. (2014). “ Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions — Facts and Figures.” Energy Trends Insider. Retrieved from http://www. energytrendsinsider. com/2012/07/02/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-facts-and-figures/
