CARBON IN THE

ENVIRONMENT
BY ELLY KENEDDY NALITSO
0708838163- 0779031329

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 LEARNING OUTCOMES
• understand how and why carbon compounds are used as fuels
• know and appreciate the difference between renewable and non-renewable fuels and
understand that non-renewable fuels are not sustainable.
• know and appreciate the impact of burning carbon- based fuels on the environment.
• understand the processes of making charcoal, but recognize that the use of charcoal as
a fuel is cheap, efficient , and sustainable only if it is made from wood that can be
regrown easily.
• know and appreciate the physical properties and uses of carbon dioxide.
• understand how the increase in carbon dioxide in the air can cause the atmosphere and
the oceans to get warmer.
• understand what greenhouse gases are, where they come from, and how they are
affecting climate.
• understand the origin of hard water in limestone areas and investigate how it can be
softened
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• Carbon is an element with mass number 12 and atomic number 6. It’s a
constituent of coal, Its symbol is C.
• It is the fourth mostly abundant element in the universe and the building
block on the earth.
• Some of the substances containing carbon include:

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 CONT.………..
• Carbon is present in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. On average,
carbon dioxide occupies 0.03% however the rate of combustion of
fossils has constantly led to its increase.

• Natural processes such as respiration and decomposition lead to

accumulation of carbon dioxide. This is also removed by plants by
photosynthesis and converted to other forms. These processes form
the carbon cycle.
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 CARBON CyCLE
Removal of CO2 from the atmosphere:
• Green plants remove CO2 into the atmosphere during the process of
photosynthesis.
• Some of the CO2 in the atmosphere dissolves in rain water to form carbonic
acid. This acid reacts with soil mineral salts to form carbonates.
Addition of CO2 in the atmosphere:
Combustion (burning)
• When carbon containing fuels e.g. petroleum, coal, natural gas, fire wood are
burnt, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Formation of such fuels over
millions of years is referred to as fossilation.
Respiration in animals and plants.
• Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi. During this process,
CO2 is released into the atmosphere.
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 USING CARBON COMpOUNdS AS fUELS.
• Carbon compounds exist in most of the fuels which are used by man for various
purposes.
• A fuel is any substance that we burn to provide heat/ power
Activity.
a) You are provided with different items that use carbon based fuels. Study the
figure and identify:
b) Which of the substances are used for lighting and heating?
c) The carbon based substances used in each as fuels.
d) Which of the fuels burns faster?
e) Which fuels produce soot?

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IdENTIfy CARBON BASEd fUEL USEd

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IdENTIfy CARBON BASEd fUEL USEd

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 CONCLUSION
• Most of the substances that are used at home to produce heat and light contain
carbon i.e. firewood, charcoal, paraffin, biogas, natural gas, etc.
• These materials are used because they give a lot of heat when burnt in air. Fuels
may be made from plants or animals.
• During burning, chemical energy is transformed to other forms of energy i.e.
heat and light
• Equation for burning of carbon based fuels
• Carbon + oxygen carbon dioxide
• Carbon + oxygen carbon monoxide

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RENEwABLE & NON RENEwABLE RESOURCES
• Renewable resources: these are readily available in nature and replenished by
natural processes over time. They are easily formed over a relatively short time
e.g

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Hydroelectric power

• Geothermal energy

• Bio1/8/2025
fuels ELLY KENEDDY 12
• Solar Energy: Energy obtained from the sun's radiation, which is converted
into electricity or used for heating purposes.
• Wind Energy: Electricity generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of
moving air with wind turbines.
• Hydroelectric Power: Electricity generated by capturing the energy of
flowing or falling water, typically through the use of dams and turbines.
• Biomass: Organic material derived from plants and animals that can be used as
a renewable energy source or converted into biofuels.
• Geothermal Energy: Heat energy extracted from the Earth's internal heat for
electricity generation or direct use in heating applications.
• Tidal Energy: Electricity generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of tidal
currents or the potential energy of tidal fluctuations.
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 NON-RENEwABLE RESOURCES
• Non renewable resource: these are formed naturally and present in limited
amounts. They can not be readily replaced due to long time it takes for them to
be formed. E.g:

• Coal

• Oil

• Natural gas

• Nuclear fuels

• Minerals like gold, copper, iron.

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• Nuclear Energy: Energy produced through nuclear reactions, particularly
nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split to release energy.
• Coal: A combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock composed
primarily of carbon, used primarily as a fuel source for electricity generation
and industrial processes.
• Oil: A viscous liquid derived from petroleum, used as a primary source of
energy for transportation, heating, and industrial applications.
• Natural Gas: A flammable gas consisting primarily of methane and other
hydrocarbons, used as a fuel source for heating, electricity generation, and as
a feedstock for various chemical processes.
• Minerals: Naturally occurring inorganic substances found in the Earth's crust,
including metals like copper, iron, and aluminum, which are extracted and
used in various industrial processes and products.
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 AdVANTAGES Of RENEwABLE fUELS
• Maintenance requirements are lower

• They can be used over and over again

• Save the environment by emitting little pollutants

in air

• They are reliable energy sources because they are

readily available

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 dISAdVANTAGES Of RENEwABLE
RESOURCES
• There is a high need for storage and storage technologies are expensive.
• Unpredictable weather events that disrupt continuity of these resources

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 AdVANTAGES Of NON-RENEwABLE fUELS.
• Cheap in converting from one type of energy to another

• Easy to use whether in house or anywhere else.

• They are cost effective( cheap to purchase)

• Create jobs to many people in extracting , transporting and

refining

• Very easy to store for future use

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dISAdVANTAGES Of NON-RENEwABLE fUELS.
• Take millions of years to form

• Can never be replaced once they have been used.

• Release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burnt

which causes global warming.

• Release Sulphur dioxide when burned which causes

breathing problems

• Time consuming for example mining, inserting into pipes

and transportation.
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 SUSTAINABLE USE Of fUELS
• Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

• Using fuels sustainably involves minimizing their environmental impact by

reducing emissions, promoting energy efficiency, investing in renewable
sources like solar and wind, and adopting cleaner technologies such as electric
vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells.

• It also entails conserving resources, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring

social equity in energy access and distribution.
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• Promoting Energy Efficiency: Improving the
efficiency of energy use in various sectors, such as
transportation, industry, and buildings, helps reduce
the overall demand for fuels. This can be achieved
through measures like upgrading infrastructure,
implementing energy-efficient technologies, and
adopting energy conservation practices.
• Investing in Renewable Energy Sources:
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy
sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and
geothermal power can significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on finite
resources. These sources are replenishable and have
minimal environmental impacts compared to fossil
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• Implementing Clean Technologies:
Developing and deploying clean technologies,
such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and
advanced nuclear reactors, can help mitigate
emissions from traditional fossil fuel use.
CCS captures carbon dioxide emissions from
industrial processes and stores them
underground to prevent their release into the
atmosphere.
• Promoting Electrification: Electrifying
transportation and heating systems can reduce
reliance on fossil fuels like gasoline and
natural gas. Electric vehicles (EVs) and
electric heat pumps are examples of
technologies that can be powered by
renewable energy sources, thereby reducing
emissions and improving air quality.
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• Encouraging Sustainable Biofuels: Biofuels
produced from organic materials such as corn,
sugarcane, and algae can serve as renewable
alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.
However, it's crucial to ensure that biofuel
production is sustainable, avoiding negative
impacts on food security, land use, and
biodiversity.
• Implementing Energy Policies and
Regulations: Governments can enact policies
and regulations to incentivize sustainable fuel
use, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy
targets, fuel efficiency standards, and subsidies
for clean technologies. These measures create
market incentives for businesses and
consumers to adopt sustainable practices.
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• Fostering Research and Innovation: Investing in research and
development of new technologies and alternative fuels is essential for
driving forward sustainable energy solutions.
• This includes advancements in battery storage, hydrogen production,
bioenergy, and other emerging technologies that can contribute to a more
sustainable energy future.

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IMpACT Of BURNING CARBON BASEd
fUELS
• While cooking at home, we use carbon based fuels such as firewood,
charcoal, paraffin and natural gas which always produce smoke.
• Where does the produced smoke go?
• Which pollutant do you think is abundant in smoke?
• Which impacts do you think result from accumulation of too much
smoke in the atmosphere?
• Which other activities lead to accumulation of smoke?

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 RESpONSES
In a poorly ventilated room, carbon based fuels burns in limited oxygen to
form carbon monoxide gas
Equation.

In a well ventilated room, carbon based fuels burn in excess oxygen to form
carbon dioxide gas.
Equation.

NB. Both products formed are pollutants of air

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 EffECTS Of BURNING CARBON IN LIMITEd
AIR SUppLy
• Leads to global warming
• Leads to suffocation
• Causes smog
• Leads to brain damage and heart diseases
• Serious pollution can lead to death.

ACTIVITY
Explain why serious pollution leads to death especially in babies.

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 IMpACT Of BURNING CARBON BASEd fUELS
• When cooking at home, burning rubbish and driving vehicles, smoke is always
produced.
• Where does this smoke go?
• Which other activities lead to production of smoke?
• What is the impact of accumulation of smoke in the atmosphere?

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 GLOBAL wARMING ANd CLIMATE CHANGE
CO₂ is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Elevated CO₂ levels enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
This results in:
• Higher Global Temperatures: Average global temperatures have been rising,
leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
• Changes in Weather Patterns: Increased temperatures disrupt traditional
weather patterns, causing extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts,
and heavy rainfall.
• Melting of Polar Ice and Glaciers: Higher temperatures cause ice in polar
regions and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels hence leading to
flooding.
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 CONT.…………..
• Ocean Acidification: CO₂ dissolves in ocean water forming carbonic acid,
which lowers the pH of the water, affecting marine life, particularly organisms
with calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.
• Disruption of Marine Food Webs: Acidification and warming can affect
plankton populations, the base of marine food webs, impacting fish and other
marine animals
• Extinction of Species: Species that cannot adapt quickly enough to changing
conditions face a higher risk of extinction
• Loss of Habitat: Many coastal and island habitats are threatened by rising sea
levels, leading to potential loss of biodiversity
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 pROCESS Of MAkING CHARCOAL
• Charcoal is the most common fuel used in homes however its use has
significant impacts on the environment. This is because it has extensively led
to deforestation so as to acquire wood for making wood charcoal.
ACTIVITY
• Do you know how charcoal is made and materials used?
• Describe how charcoal is locally made in your community.
• Do you know that charcoal can be obtained from other materials rather than
wood?

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 RESpONSES
• Locally in our communities, charcoal is got from wood. Trees are cut down to
provide wood for making charcoal. This is formed by burning wood in limited
supply of air( destructive distillation of wood)
• Limited supply of air is acquired by covering the burning wood with soil.

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 CONT.………..
• A black porous solid is formed(wood charcoal) which is a good adsorbent of
gases and fuel.
• Charcoal is cheap and an efficient fuel however it is only sustainable if it is
grown from wood that can be re-grown easily.
Alternatively
Charcoal can be made from organic materials and charcoal dust. These are
called charcoal briquettes. They burn for longer (5-6hrs) compared to
charcoal and wood.
Research and discuss how charcoal is made from organic waste
materials(charcoal briquettes)

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MAkING CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES

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 RESpONSES
Gathering Raw Materials

To make charcoal briquettes, you need the following materials

Biomass: This can be wood, sawdust, coconut shells, rice husks, or other agricultural
residues.

Binders: Commonly used binders include starch, clay, or molasses to help the
briquettes hold their shape.

Accelerants (optional): Substances like sodium nitrate can be added to improve

burning efficiency.
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Carbonization: This process converts the biomass into charcoal through
pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen):
Preparation: Cut the biomass into small, uniform pieces to ensure even
carbonization.
Burning: Place the biomass in the kiln and ignite it. Once it catches fire, cover
the kiln to restrict oxygen flow, allowing the biomass to carbonize without
burning completely.
Cooling: Let the carbonized biomass (charcoal) cool completely before
removing it from the kiln to prevent spontaneous ignition

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Crushing and Sifting : Once you have charcoal, you need to crush it into fine
powder:
Crushing: Use a hammer, crusher, or grinder to break the charcoal into small pieces.
Sifting: Sift the crushed charcoal to remove large, unburnt pieces and obtain a fine,
consistent powder.

Mixing with Binder :The charcoal powder needs to be mixed with a binder to form
briquettes:
Binder Preparation: Prepare the binder by dissolving it in water. For example,
dissolve starch in hot water to create a thick paste.
Mixing: Combine the charcoal powder and binder in a large container. The typical
ratio is about 5-10% binder to 90-95% charcoal powder, but this can vary.
Homogenization: Mix thoroughly to ensure the binder evenly coats all charcoal
particles, forming a consistent mixture.
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Briquette Formation: Form the charcoal-binder mixture into briquettes:
Molding: Use a manual or hydraulic briquette press to mold the mixture into uniform
shapes. Common shapes include cylindrical, pillow, and square briquettes.
Pressing: Apply sufficient pressure to compact the mixture tightly, which helps the
briquettes maintain their shape and burn longer.

Drying :The molded briquettes need to be dried to remove moisture:

Air Drying: Spread the briquettes out in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Allow them to air-dry for several days, turning them occasionally for even drying.
Solar Drying (optional): Place the briquettes in a solar dryer to speed up the drying
process.
NB
Safety Precautions: When carbonizing biomass, ensure proper ventilation to avoid
inhaling smoke and gases.
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 AdVANTAGES Of CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES
• High combustion value (more than 80% of biomass mass)
• Longer burning time as well as a more uniform and stable burning process
• Smokeless and tasteless
• Lighter (only 1/5 to 1/3 of the original weight)
• Cheaper than lumpy charcoal
• Easy to handle, pack, transport, and use

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pREpARING Of CO2 By REACTING
LIMESTONE ANd HydROCHLORIC ACId

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ACTIVITy.
• Research about how carbon dioxide can be prepared in the laboratory

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 USES Of CARBON dIOXIdE
• For a number of reasons, carbon dioxide is one of the most important gases on
earth. Plants use carbon dioxide to make their own food and since humans and
other animals depend on plants for food. Observe the pictures below and
describe the uses of carbon dioxide.

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 RESpONSES
In fire extinguishers, because it does not burn and its denser than air.
Its used in the manufacture of carbonated drinks e.g. Soda
It’s used as a refrigerant for perishable goods and ice cream.
It’s used Solvay process for making sodium hydrogen carbonate and sodium
carbonate.
 Making rain-pieces of solid carbon dioxide can be dropped into the clouds
to cool them enough to form rain.
Carbon dioxide is used in bakeries. Baking powder when heated form carbon
dioxide which forms bubbles inside bread and cakes making them light.

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EffECTS Of INCREASING CARBONdIOXIdE IN
ATMOSpHERE ANd OCEANS
• Carbon dioxide is an important component of air.
• It occupies 0.03% however, its concentration has been reported to increase
around the globe due various natural causes and human activities.
• Carbon dioxide is naturally removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
During the process, plants use sunlight to convert CO2 to carbohydrates thus
providing food to living organisms.
• However, humans are destroying large areas of natural vegetation through
deforestation, bush burning, swamp reclamation, over grazing, etc. hence
declining rates of photosynthesis.
• Therefore, this has led to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
and its related effects.
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 ACTIVITy
• Discuss and describe the human activities that increase levels of carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere.

• Research and explain why increase in the levels of carbon dioxide can cause
oceans and the atmosphere to get warmer.

• Suggest and explain the possible ways to control the above effect

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 RESpONSES
Thermal Expansion: Warmer oceans expand as water molecules move
more energetically and take up more space, contributing to sea level rise.

Air-Ocean Heat Transfer: The increased greenhouse effect raises the

temperature of the atmosphere. Since the atmosphere and the ocean are in
close contact, heat is transferred from the warmer air to the surface of
the oceans, causing the oceans to warm up.

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CAUSES ANd EffECTS Of GREEN HOUSE GASES.
• In Uganda, crops are grown seasonally due
to seasonal availability of the rains. This
results into periods of food scarcity when
supplies are low. However, today scientists
have devised means of growing crops
throughout the year under controlled
conditions in a greenhouse.
• A green house allows in some solar
radiations in and it also traps some of
these radiations. The trapped radiations
raise the temperature in the green house
necessary
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for plant growth. ELLY KENEDDY 56
• Some gases in the atmosphere also behave the same way as green houses.
These trap heat in the atmosphere and this is known as the green house
effect.
• A green house gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the
thermo-infra-red range.

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Greenhouse gases include

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

• Methane (CH₄)

• Water vapor (H₂O)

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

• Ozone (O₃)

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pERCENTAGE CONTRIBUTI

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 dESCRIpTION
• Incoming Energy: The Sun emits energy in the form of visible light and other
types of radiation. This solar radiation passes through the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Absorption by the Earth: About 70% of this energy is absorbed by the Earth's
surface and oceans, warming the planet.
• Emission of Infrared Radiation: The warmed Earth’s surface radiates heat
back towards space in the form of infrared radiation.
• Interaction with Greenhouse Gases: Not all of this infrared radiation escapes
directly into space. It interacts with greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere
• Absorption and Re-emission: These gases absorb and re-emit infrared
radiation. While some of this radiation is directed back towards the Earth's
surface, causing further warming
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 ALLOTROpES Of CARBON

RESEARCH
• Define the term allotropy.
• Define an allotrope.
• Suggest examples of elements that exhibit allotropy.

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 RESpONSES
Allotropy: is the existence of an element in more than one form, without
change in physical state. These different forms are called allotropes.
An allotrope is one of two or more distinct forms an element exists without
change in state. Carbon has three allotropes: diamond, graphite and
amorphous carbon. Others elements that show allotropy are:
• Oxygen with two allotropes, that is, ordinary oxygen (O2) and ozone (O3).
• Tin with two allotropes, that is, grey tin and white tin.
• Sulphur has five allotropes, that is, amorphous sulphur, monoclinic sulphur,
rhombic sulphur, plastic sulphur and colloidal sulphur.
• Phosphorus with two allotropes, that is white/yellow phosphorus and red
phosphorus.
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 GRApHITE
• Graphite is a soft, slippery, hexagonal
crystalline substance.
• Its atoms are joined by strong covalent
bonds
Graphite is black and opaque.
It’s soft, greasy or soapy.
It’s a good conductor of electricity.
It has low density (2.3gcm-3).

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 STRUCTURE Of GRApHITE
• Graphite is a two dimensional layered structure. The carbon atoms within the layers
are arranged in hexagonal rings and each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three
other carbon atoms.
• For each carbon atom, three out of the four valence electrons localized during the
formation of the covalent bonds.
• The remaining electron is delocalized (mobile) over the whole layer.
• The mobile electrons are free to move through the structure and therefore enable
graphite to conduct heat and electricity.
• NB. Layers are joined by weak vanderwaals forces enabling them to slide over each
other.
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STRUCTURE Of GRApHITE

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 USES Of GRApHITE

• Used as protective coating for iron substances to

prevent rusting.

• Used as an electrode in electrolytic cells. Since

graphite conducts electricity

• As a lubricant for dynamos and electric motors.

• For making pencil leads

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 dIAMONd
• It’s a non conductor of electricity, because all
the electrons in the carbon atoms have been
used for bonding. There are no delocalized
electrons in diamond.
• It has high density, due to close packing of
carbon atoms. The density of diamond is
3.5g/cc
• Its colourless, crystalline and transparent solid.
• It’s the hardest substance known.
• It is resistant to melting. Melting point of
diamond is 39300C

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 STRUCTURE Of CARBON
• Diamond has a tetrahedral structure in which each carbon atom is joined by
covalent bonds to four other carbon atoms.
• The valence electrons are all used in forming covalent bonds and therefore
they are localized.
• This structure is extended throughout the substance in three dimensions.
• Diamond is a poor conductor of heat and electricity because it does not have
free and mobile electrons

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STRUCTURE Of dIAMONd

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 USES Of dIAMONd
• Used for manufacturing drilling and cutting hard substances such as glass and
rock.
• It is used to make jewelry e.g. necklaces and ear rings because of its high
refractive index giving it a shiny appearance.

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 HARd wATER.
BY ELLY KENY.

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 INTROdUCTION
Have you ever washed clothes using water collected from different sources such
as rain water, borehole water , spring water or tap water?

The water from these different sources require different amounts of soap to form
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• This is because some water sources contain hard water
while others contain soft water.
• Hard water is that which does not form lather (foam)
readily with soap.
• Hardness of water is due to presence of calcium ions
(Ca2+) or magnesium ions (Mg2+) present in water. This
is common with underground water sources because
water comes into contact with rocks containing limestone
• Soft water is that which readily forms lather with soap
• There are two types of hard water
 Temporary hard water
 Permanent hard water

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 TEMpORARy ANd pERMANENT HARd
wATER
Temporary hardness
This type of hardness is caused by the presence of
dissolved magnesium hydrogen carbonate or
calcium hydrogen carbonate in water and can be
removed by boiling.
Permanent hardness.
This type of hardness is caused by the presence of
magnesium sulphate or calcium sulphate in
water which can not be decomposed by boiling
hence ‘permanent’.

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 TREATMENT Of TEMpORARy HARd wATER
• Temporary hard water can be softened by:
Boiling
• When temporary hard water is boiled, it
becomes soft.
• This is because boiling decomposes Calcium
hydrogen carbonate or Magnesium hydrogen
carbonate to Calcium carbonate or
Magnesium carbonate respectively thus
removing the calcium ions or magnesium
ions from water making it soft.
Mg(HCO3)2(aq) → MgCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
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• Distillation.
Distillation of water removes all hardness; water is boiled to form steam which
is condensed to form pure and soft water. Solid impurities are left in the
distillation flask.
• Addition of sodium carbonate (washing soda)
This precipitates insoluble calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate which can
be filtered off.
CaSO4 (aq) + Na2CO3(aq) CaCO3(s) + Na2SO4(aq)
Mg(HCO3)2 (aq) + Na2CO3(aq) MgCO3(s) + 2NaHCO3(aq)
• By passing water through permutit (Sodium aluminium silicate, Na2Y)
When water is passed through permutit, the Ca2+ or Mg2+ in hard water are
removed and replaced with sodium ions of permutit

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 AdVANTAGES Of HARd wATER
• Allows for use of cheap lead pipes for water supply.
Does not cause lead poisoning
• Necessary for formation of animal shells. Some
aquatic animals need calcium to form their shells e.g.
water snails
• Rich in calcium which builds strong bones and teeth.
• It has good taste
• It builds strong egg shells

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 dISAdVANTAGES Of HARd wATER
• Hard water wastes soap due to formation of
scum.
• Causes dirty marks on clothes due to scum
and also damage silk and nylon.
• Causes fading of dyes

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• Causes fur in kettles and pans leading to
wastage of fuel. Fur is a bad conductor of
heat.
• Causes wrong colours in dyeing process and
poor finish during leather tanning.
• Causes formation of boiler scale which
wastes fuel because it’s a bad conductor of
heat.

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ALwAyS AIM fOR THE BEST.
BY ELLY KENEDDY NALITSO.
0708838163- 0779031329

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