how much CO2 and how much energy are released in the combustion of 1 tonne of coal?
To calculate the amount of CO2 and energy released in the combustion of 1 tonne of coal, we need to consider the carbon content of the coal and the energy content of coal. Here's how you can calculate it:
1. Determine the carbon content of coal: The carbon content of coal can vary depending on the type of coal. On average, it is around 70%. This means that for 1 tonne (1000 kg) of coal, the carbon content would be 0.7 * 1000 kg = 700 kg.
2. Calculate the amount of CO2 released: When coal is burned, the carbon combines with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide (CO2). The atomic weight of carbon is 12, while the atomic weight of oxygen is 16. Therefore, the molecular weight of CO2 is (12 + 2 * 16) = 44. To calculate the amount of CO2 released, multiply the carbon content of the coal by the ratio of the molecular weights of CO2 to carbon: (700 kg / 12) * 44 = 2567 kg of CO2.
3. Calculate the energy content of coal: The energy content of coal can also vary depending on the type of coal. To calculate the energy content, you need to know the heat value of the coal, usually measured in kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) or megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg). Let's assume the energy content is 25 MJ/kg.
4. Calculate the total energy released: Multiply the energy content of coal by the mass of coal burned. In this case, it would be 25 MJ/kg * 1000 kg = 25,000 MJ (or 25 GJ) of energy released.
So, in the combustion of 1 tonne of coal, approximately 2567 kg of CO2 is released, and 25 GJ of energy is released. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the quality and type of coal.