Question

In the year \(2013,\) an estimated amount of 36 billion metrictons ( 1 metric ton \(=1000 \mathrm{kg}\) ) of carbon dioxide \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)\) was emitted worldwide due to fossil fuel combustion and cement production. Express this mass of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) in grams without exponential notation, using an appropriate metric prefix.

Short answer

The mass of CO₂ emitted worldwide in 2013 is approximately 36 Teragrams (Tg).

Step-by-step solution

Convert metric tons to grams

First, we need to convert the given mass from metric tons to grams. We are given that 1 metric ton is equal to 1000 kg. Furthermore, we know that 1 kg contains 1000 grams. We have: Mass in metric tons = 36 billion metric tons To convert this mass to grams, we multiply it by 1000 (to convert to kg) and again by 1000 (to convert to grams): 36,000,000,000 metric tons * 1000 kg/metric ton * 1000 g/kg = 36,000,000,000,000 g

Determine the appropriate metric prefix for the value in grams

Now we have the mass of CO₂ in grams, and we need to express this using an appropriate metric prefix. We have the mass in grams as 36,000,000,000,000 g. To express this using a suitable metric prefix, we need to rewrite this as a multiple of a power of 10. 36,000,000,000,000 g can be written as \(3.6 * 10^{13}\) g.

Express mass in grams using the appropriate metric prefix

Finally, let's express the mass of CO₂ in grams using the appropriate metric prefix associated with a power of 10. The closest metric prefix for \(10^{13}\) is Tera (T) which represents \(10^{12}\). So, we have the mass of CO₂ as \(3.6 * 10^{13}\) g, and we can divide this value by \(10^{12}\) to get the mass in Teragrams. \(3.6 * \frac{10^{13}}{10^{12}} = 3.6 * 10^1\) Teragrams. Thus, the mass of CO₂ emitted worldwide in 2013 is approximately 36 Teragrams (Tg).

Key concepts

Metric Prefixes

The metric system simplifies numbers by using prefixes that represent powers of ten. This way, we avoid writing long numbers with many zeros. Some common metric prefixes are:

• Kilo (k): One thousand or \(10^3\)
• Mega (M): One million or \(10^6\)
• Giga (G): One billion or \(10^9\)
• Tera (T): One trillion or \(10^{12}\)

In our task, we first converted 36 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide to grams. This resulted in a large number: 36 trillion grams. By using the Tera prefix, which represents \(10^{12}\), we simplify \(36,000,000,000,000\) grams to 36 Teragrams (Tg). Using these prefixes makes it easier to read, communicate, and understand large quantities in science and engineering.

Fossil Fuel Combustion

Fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas, are burned for energy in homes, factories, and vehicles. However, this combustion process has a downside: it releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) into our atmosphere. Here's what happens when fossil fuels burn:

• Carbon in fossil fuels reacts with oxygen in the air.
• This reaction generates energy, which we use for electricity, heating, and transportation.
• A byproduct of this reaction is carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

Fossil fuel combustion is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions. While it powers our modern world, the large amount of CO₂ released has environmental consequences. Addressing fossil fuel combustion is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions result from various human activities, mainly fossil fuel combustion. These emissions are closely monitored because of their impact on our planet's climate. Here's why CO₂ emissions are significant:

• CO₂ is a greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
• This leads to global warming, causing ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise.
• It can disrupt weather patterns and harm ecosystems.

Emissions are measured in metric tons or grams, and large-scale data often uses metric prefixes to simplify communication. For instance, in the year 2013, the CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels were 36 Teragrams. Understanding and reducing CO₂ emissions is essential for preserving our environment and ensuring a sustainable future.