Final answer:
The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas primarily produces the gas, carbon dioxide. Other by-products include water, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. This process widely contributes to carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, driving climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The burning or combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas primarily produce the gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). Other by-products include water (H2O), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This chemical reaction occurs as these fuels, which are principally hydrocarbons, react with oxygen. For instance, when methane (CH4), a principal component of natural gas, burns, the reaction with oxygen is highly exothermic, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.
Similarly, burning gasoline, a complex mixture of alkanes with a varying number of carbon atoms, also contributes to carbon dioxide and water production. This combustion process is widespread in many industries and vehicles, leading to the release of these gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change issues. These gases are also produced in internal combustion engines, where high temperatures permit the chemical combination of nitrogen and oxygen present in the air.
Automobilies and industries often attempt to minimize dangerous by-products such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides through various emission control mechanisms, but the production of CO2, a primary greenhouse gas, remains a global environmental challenge.
Learn more about Combustion of fossil fuels