My Favorite Molecule It is interesting to think how the human race is so dependent on today’s technology. Many of the machines that we use function with combustion. Combustion is key to the success and growth of our development. On the other hand, that same concept that builds us can also kill us. Even worse, it is nearly undetectable! As hazardous as it is to people, it’s just as hazardous to the environment. Carbon monoxide is to blame for being such a nuisance, but that’s what makes it so interesting! Carbon monoxide’s molecular formula consists of a single carbon atom bonded to a single oxygen atom. The bond that is shared between the atoms is triple bonded. This indicates an extremely strong bond within the molecule. Carbon monoxide’s
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Carbon monoxide is one of the major greenhouse gases. That means that it has the ability to absorb heat and trap it. Since carbon monoxide is lighter than air, it sticks around in the atmosphere. If it is absorbing heat, it will eventually make the Earth warmer, causing a greenhouse effect. Although not a major contender compared to all the other greenhouse gases, its presence still makes a difference. “Carbon monoxide readily reacts with the hydroxyl radical (OH) forming a much stronger, greenhouse gas--carbon dioxide. This, in turn, increases concentrations of methane, another strong greenhouse gas, because the most common way methane is removed from the atmosphere is when it reacts with OH” (ESSEA, 2010). A major contributor to this environmental detriment is our use of transportation. There are millions of cars all over the world producing a high amount of carbon monoxide. You can imagine that in higher density cities like those in California or New York the carbon monoxide levels are much higher. That, in return, increases pollution in the air and increases the greenhouse effect for that area. To combat this is to join in a worldly effort on creating more eco-friendly means of transportation. For now, some solutions could be to carpool or to invest in a more environmentally friendly
Carbon monoxide is one of the major greenhouse gases. That means that it has the ability to absorb heat and trap it. Since carbon monoxide is lighter than air, it sticks around in the atmosphere. If it is absorbing heat, it will eventually make the Earth warmer, causing a greenhouse effect. Although not a major contender compared to all the other greenhouse gases, its presence still makes a difference. “Carbon monoxide readily reacts with the hydroxyl radical (OH) forming a much stronger, greenhouse gas--carbon dioxide. This, in turn, increases concentrations of methane, another strong greenhouse gas, because the most common way methane is removed from the atmosphere is when it reacts with OH” (ESSEA, 2010). A major contributor to this environmental detriment is our use of transportation. There are millions of cars all over the world producing a high amount of carbon monoxide. You can imagine that in higher density cities like those in California or New York the carbon monoxide levels are much higher. That, in return, increases pollution in the air and increases the greenhouse effect for that area. To combat this is to join in a worldly effort on creating more eco-friendly means of transportation. For now, some solutions could be to carpool or to invest in a more environmentally friendly