List the products of combustion of fossil fuels. What are their adverse effects on the environment ?

Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum contain carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur.

1. Products of Combustion of Fossil Fuels:

• Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and Water vapour ($H_2O$) (during complete combustion).
• Carbon monoxide ($CO$) (during incomplete combustion in limited oxygen).
• Oxides of sulphur ($SO_2$, $SO_3$) and Oxides of nitrogen ($NO$, $NO_2$) due to the combustion of sulphur and nitrogen impurities present in the fuels.
• Soot/Unburnt carbon particles.

2. Adverse Effects on the Environment:

• Global Warming: Excess release of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), a greenhouse gas, traps solar radiation in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
• Acid Rain: Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur react with rainwater to form nitric acid and sulphuric acid, resulting in acid rain. This damages soil fertility, aquatic ecosystems, forests, and historical monuments (like the Taj Mahal).
• Air Pollution and Respiratory Issues: Carbon monoxide ($CO$) is highly toxic as it binds with hemoglobin, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Fine particulate matter (soot) causes severe respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and lung congestion.