Question

Here is the data

Problem 3- the concentration of CO2 per year = 3.54*10^-13ppmv

Problem 4-increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere over a one year period = 1.55 ppmv

- personal CO2 contribution = 45.71 metric tons of CO2

The question is :

Comment on your results from Problems 3 and 4, as follows:

(1) Based on your results, can combustion be meaningfully contributing to the observed global CO2 concentrations? Why do you conclude this?

(2) Should the two numbers be identical? Why or why not? If they are different, describe some significant factors that might contribute to the discrepancy.

You may also discuss your personal CO2 contribution in your response, if it is relevant. Limit your response to no more than 400 words.

Answer 1

1) Yes combustion can be meaningfully contributiong to global CO2 concentrations. This is because combustion is the process by which fossil fuels which are made up of carbon is reacted along with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Fossil fuels are the major of source of energy in most countries in the world and are extensively used in power generation for electricity, automotive purposes. This produces significant amount of carbondioxide than the other sources.

2) The numbers need not be identical since the concentration of CO2 is increasing significantly due to factors like increasing deforestation and human popoulation, burning of fossil fuels is increasing every year.

Also, the personal CO2 contribution of each person is increasing every year: this is because a person is using more fossil based fuels for his daily purposes.