What are the by-products of fossil fuel combustion?

The by-products of fossil fuel combustion are primarily carbon dioxide, water vapour, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned, they undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air. This process, known as combustion, releases energy in the form of heat and light. However, it also produces several by-products, which can have significant environmental impacts.

The primary by-product of fossil fuel combustion is carbon dioxide (CO2). This is a greenhouse gas, which means it contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels is the largest source of CO2 emissions worldwide, making it a major driver of climate change.

Water vapour (H2O) is another major by-product of fossil fuel combustion. While it is not harmful in itself, it can contribute to the greenhouse effect when it condenses into clouds that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is produced when fossil fuels that contain sulphur, such as coal and oil, are burned. This gas can react with water in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid, leading to acid rain. Acid rain can damage buildings, harm wildlife, and acidify lakes and rivers, making them uninhabitable for many species.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO), are also produced during fossil fuel combustion. These gases can react with other substances in the atmosphere to form smog and acid rain. They can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant.

In addition to these primary by-products, fossil fuel combustion can also release smaller amounts of other pollutants, such as particulate matter and heavy metals. These can have harmful effects on air quality and human health.