Question

In the early 1990s, glass manufacturers developed a green chemistry solution to reducing NO emissions and energy consumption. This involved

A: reducing the temperature required to melt the glass.
B: using liquid rather than solid starting materials to make the glass.
C: substituting 100% oxygen for air in the large furnaces used to melt and reheat the glass.
D: melting the starting materials in the absence of air (in a vacuum).

Answer 1

Green chemistry in glass manufacturing during the early 1990s involved the use of pure oxygen instead of air in furnaces, which increased efficiency and reduced NOx emissions. This reflects the broader application of green chemistry to prevent pollution and improve industrial processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the early 1990s, glass manufacturers developed a green chemistry solution to reducing NO emissions and energy consumption. This involved substituting 100% oxygen for air in the large furnaces used to melt and reheat the glass. The use of pure oxygen, instead of air, enhances the combustion process and increases the efficiency of melting the glass materials. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduces the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are smog-forming pollutants.

Green chemistry principles aim to reduce environmental impact and are applied in various industries, including automotive, where catalytic converters are used to reduce toxic emissions from engines. In contrast to end-of-pipe measures that were previously used, green chemistry strives for pollution prevention and efficiency in process design.