C+ o2 --> co2 + heat

examine the combustion formula above that corresponds to coal. then explain in words how it is that burning one ton of coal can release more than three tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, depending on the purity of the coal.

3.66 tones

Explanation:

From the reaction , according to the question is as follows -

C + O₂ > CO₂ + heat

from the above reaction , It is clear , that -

1 mol of C reacts with 1 mol of O₂ to give , 1 mol of CO₂ .

Since ,

Moles is denoted by given mass divided by the molecular mass ,  

Hence ,  

n = w / m

n = moles ,  

w = given mass ,  

m = molecular mass .

For the above equation ,

1 mol C , means , 12 gm  of C ,

1 mol O₂ , means , 16 gm  of O₂ ,

1 mol CO₂ , means , 44 gm  of CO₂ ,

The simplest ratio , of the masses of C  , CO₂ , is as follows -

12 : 44 = 3 : 11

Hence ,

By burning 1 ton of coal (Carbon) will produce = ( 1 * 11 / 3 ) tones of CO₂

= 3.66 tones

In case , the coal is pure , i.e. have only carbon , then the above reaction will follows and give the maximum yield , and as the content of carbon reduces , the amount CO₂ also reduces .