On a typical winter day

CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · GCSE · Chemistry · Using Resources · Using Resources

Problem

On a typical winter day,

1.33\times10^6\text{ kJ}

of energy is needed in a home. The specific energy densities, approximate empirical formulae, and heating efficiencies of wood and coal are tabulated below.

Fuel	Formula of fuel	Specific energy / $\text{kJ g}^{-1}$	Heating efficiency / $\%$
Coal	$\text{CH}$	$31$	$65$
Wood	$\text{C}_5\text{H}_9\text{O}_4$	$22$	$70$

(1) Calculate the percentage mass of carbon in the two fuels. (2) Determine the carbon footprint from using the two forms of heating in terms of the mass of carbon dioxide produced by the two fuels. (3) Suggest a reason why the carbon-footprint calculation for wood does not give a full account of its environmental impact.

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