Question

Coal gas is a mixture of: (a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons \(\mathrm{CO}\), \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{~N}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{CO}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CO}, \mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{CH}_{4}\) (d) Saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons:

Short answer

Option (a) is correct: 4, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, 4, 4, 4, and 4.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Coal Gas Components

Coal gas is a type of gas that is produced by the gasification of coal. It contains various components which can include hydrogen (4), carbon monoxide (4), hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide (4), nitrogen (4), and oxygen (4). The exact composition can vary based on the coal and the process used.

Evaluate the Options

Review the provided options to see which list includes hydrogen, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen.

Determine the Correct Answer

Option (a) lists 4 saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, 4, 4, 4, 4, and 4, which are all components found in coal gas. This matches our understanding from Step 1.

Key concepts

Hydrogen in Coal Gas

Coal gas is a notable product from the gasification of coal; one of its primary components is hydrogen. Hydrogen is a colorless and highly flammable gas. Here are a few key points about hydrogen in coal gas:

• Hydrogen is crucial for combustion. It acts as a fuel component, giving coal gas its heating value.
• Due to its light molecular weight, hydrogen helps in producing a high-energy output when coal gas is burned.
• The hydrogen content can influence the overall efficiency of coal gas as an energy source.

The presence of hydrogen, along with other gases, makes coal gas a versatile and efficient energy source.

Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Coal gas contains both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Understanding the differences between these hydrocarbons is crucial:

• Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, have single bonds between carbon atoms. Methane (CH₄) is a common saturated hydrocarbon in coal gas.
• Unsaturated hydrocarbons contain one or more double (alkenes) or triple (alkynes) bonds between carbon atoms. These are less stable but more reactive than their saturated counterparts.

Hydrocarbons in coal gas serve as energy-rich components. They play an essential role in combustion. While the saturated hydrocarbons offer stability, the unsaturated ones contribute to the gas's reactivity. Together, they provide a balanced profile of energy release and combustion stability in coal gas.

Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide in Coal Gas

Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are both vital components of coal gas, each playing distinct roles.

• Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. It's combustible, making it a useful component for fuel purposes. However, CO is toxic and poses risks if inhaled in large quantities.
• Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is non-toxic and acts as a stabilization agent within the gas mixture.

In the context of coal gas, CO is primarily involved in the gas's heating efficiency, while CO₂ is a byproduct of combustion. The balance between these two gases determines the environmental and functional efficiency of coal gas in industrial applications. Understanding their roles is important for managing and utilizing coal gas efficiently and safely.