Problem 33 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

In the year 2011, an estimated amount of 35 billion tons of carbon dioxide \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)\) was emitted worldwide due to fossil fuel combustion and cement production. Express this mass of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) in grams without exponential notation, using an appropriate metric prefix.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The mass of CO2 emitted due to fossil fuel combustion and cement production in 2011 can be expressed as 35 Peta grams (Pg).

Step 1: Define the metric prefixes

Here are a few commonly used metric prefixes that we might need to solve the problem: 1. Kilo (k) - 10^3 2. Mega (M) - 10^6 3. Giga (G) - 10^9 4. Tera (T) - 10^12 5. Peta (P) - 10^15 We will figure out which of these should be used to express the mass of CO2 in grams without exponential notation. #Step 2: Convert the mass of CO2 from tons to grams#

Step 2: Convert the mass of CO2 from tons to grams

First, we need to know the conversion factor between tons and grams. 1 metric ton = 1,000 kg = 1,000,000 grams Given, 35 billion tons of CO2. To convert 35 billion tons to grams, we multiply by the conversion factor of 1,000,000 grams per ton: \(35 \times 10 ^{9} \text{ tons} \times 1,000,000 \frac{\text{grams}}{\text{ton}}\) #Step 3: Express the mass in terms of an appropriate metric prefix#

Step 3: Express the mass in terms of an appropriate metric prefix

To avoid using exponential notation, we need to find the appropriate metric prefix: \(35 \times 10 ^{9} \text{ tons} \times 1,000,000 \frac{\text{grams}}{\text{ton}} = 35 \times 10^{15} \text{ grams}\) Here, we can see that this equates to the Peta (P) metric prefix, which is 10^{15}. Therefore, we can rewrite this value using the Peta prefix: \(35 \times 10^{15} \text{ grams} = 35 \text{ Peta grams (Pg)}\) So, the mass of CO2 emitted in 2011 due to fossil fuel combustion and cement production can be expressed as 35 Pg.

Key Concepts

Understanding Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major contributor to global climate change. They arise primarily from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned for energy, they release CO2, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere. The amount of CO2 emissions worldwide is often measured in billions of tons, as seen in the 2011 statistics where 35 billion tons of CO2 were released.
This large number reflects the significant impact human activities have on the environment, with consequences such as rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and erratic weather patterns. Reducing CO2 emissions is critical to slowing the pace of climate change.
Efforts include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and establishing carbon capture technologies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

The Role of Fossil Fuel Combustion

Fossil fuel combustion is the chemical process of burning coal, oil, or natural gas to produce energy. This process releases heat and is a common method of generating electricity, powering vehicles, and providing industrial heat. However, it comes with the adverse effect of emitting large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
The combustion of fossil fuels is responsible for a substantial share of the world's CO2 emissions. In 2011, fossil fuel combustion contributed significantly to the 35 billion tons of global CO2 emissions. This highlights how deeply entrenched fossil fuels are in our energy systems.
Transitioning away from fossil fuels involves increasing the use of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These alternatives produce energy without releasing CO2, making them essential in reducing overall emissions and combating environmental issues like the greenhouse effect.

Mass Conversion in Carbon Emissions

Mass conversion is a mathematical process that involves changing measurements from one unit to another, making calculations and comparisons easier. In the example of carbon dioxide emissions from 2011, understanding how to convert tons to grams is crucial for accurately representing and working with large masses.
To convert the 35 billion tons of CO2 to grams, the conversion factor of 1 metric ton (equal to 1,000,000 grams) is used. The calculation goes as follows:

• 35 billion tons = 35 x 10^9 tons
• Multiply by the conversion factor: 35 x 10^9 tons x 1,000,000 grams/ton = 35 x 10^15 grams

Expressing such a large number in grams without using exponential notation involves using metric prefixes, which makes communication of the data more manageable. The appropriate prefix here is 'Peta', which stands for 10^15. Thus, 35 x 10^15 grams can be expressed as 35 Peta grams (Pg). This ability to convert and simplify large numbers is crucial for scientists and policymakers when discussing and managing large-scale emissions datasets.