Which of the following gases is mainly from incomplete combustion of fossil fuel?

Question 41 options:

CO

SO2

CO2

NO

Option (1)

Explanation:

The incomplete combustion of fossil generally occurs when there is less amount of air or oxygen. This incomplete combustion leads to the production of carbon monoxide and carbon along with water. It does not release any carbon dioxide.

The reaction that represents an incomplete combustion is-

Hydrocarbon (fossil) + oxygen (O₂) → Carbon Monoxide (CO) + carbon (C) + water (H₂O).

This reaction releases this Carbon monoxide which is a very poisonous gas. This gases are trapped in the lungs and it creates difficulty for the blood to carry oxygen. This is the reason why the complete combustion of fossil is more preferred compared to the incomplete combustion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (1).

CO (carbon Dioxide)

Explanation:

Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum products contain carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). When they burn completely, carbon and hydrogen react with oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

But in incomplete burning, a portion of carbon that contained in fossil fuel is not completely oxidized. As a result carbon monoxide (CO) is produced.

The carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that affects health. The maximum limit of carbon monoxide production allowed in flue products is 400 ppm (parts per million) and the gas flame produces 0 and 50 ppm of carbon monoxide.

Incomplete combustion results in the production of above 7,000 ppm of carbon monoxide. Such a high concentration of carbon monoxide is a health risk and can be fatal.