IB myp 4-5 Chemistry – Practice Questions- All Topics
Topic :The atmosphere -Extraction
Topic :The atmosphere- Weightage : 21 %
All Questions for Topic : Characteristics of gases,Atmospheric composition,Testing and Treatment,Extraction,Emission and environmental Implications
Coal is a carbon-rich sedimentary rock used as a fossil fuel for energy generation.
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable amounts of other elements; chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Coal is classified into four main types, or ranks: anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite.
The ranking depends on the types and amounts of carbon the coal contains and on the amount of heat energy the coal can produce.
Question
Identify the most efficient type of coal. Justify your answer.
▶️Answer/Explanation
- Most Efficient Coal: Anthracite.
- Justification: Anthracite has the highest carbon content, which means it contains more energy per unit weight than the other types of coal. This is evidenced by its higher calorific value, indicating it can produce more heat energy and is thus considered the most efficient type of coal for energy production.
Question
Discuss and evaluate the positive and negative outcomes of utilising coal as an energy source, using the data provided in the given task. Your response should cover the following:
The environmental consequences
Economic impacts on the local community
Pros and cons of coal usage
A final evaluation of all the issues raised
▶️Answer/Explanation
Coal as an Energy Source – Brief Evaluation
Environmental Impact: Coal burning releases pollutants causing air pollution and contributing to climate change, but it offers a stable energy supply.
Economic Impact: Provides jobs in mining regions, yet poses health risks and potential for future economic decline due to a shift towards renewable energy.
Coal Usage:
- Pros: High energy content, existing usage infrastructure.
- Cons: Finite resource, environmental harm, and greenhouse emissions.
Conclusion: The use of coal is challenged by its severe environmental footprint and the global trend towards cleaner energy, necessitating a gradual move away from coal to alternative energy sources.