In the following instances, which choice is greener in a chemical process and why? (b) A reagent for the reaction that can be obtained from corn husks or one that is obtained from petroleum. (c) A process that produces no by-products or one in which the by-products are recycled for another process.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of 'green chemistry', which aims to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Step 2: For part (b), consider the source of the reagent. A reagent obtained from corn husks is derived from a renewable resource, whereas one obtained from petroleum is derived from a non-renewable resource. Green chemistry favors the use of renewable resources.

Step 3: Evaluate the environmental impact of sourcing the reagent. Corn husks are a by-product of agriculture and using them can reduce waste, while petroleum extraction and processing have significant environmental impacts.

Step 4: For part (c), analyze the process efficiency. A process that produces no by-products is ideal as it minimizes waste. However, if by-products are generated, recycling them for another process can also be considered green as it reduces waste and resource consumption.

Step 5: Compare the overall sustainability of the options. A process with no by-products is generally more sustainable, but recycling by-products can also contribute to sustainability by creating a closed-loop system.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Green Chemistry Principles

Green chemistry focuses on designing chemical processes and products that minimize environmental impact. It emphasizes the use of renewable resources, reduction of waste, and the avoidance of hazardous substances. Understanding these principles helps evaluate the sustainability of chemical choices, such as preferring reagents derived from renewable sources like corn husks over those from non-renewable sources like petroleum.

Sustainability in Chemical Processes

Sustainability in chemical processes refers to the ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This includes using resources efficiently, minimizing waste, and ensuring that by-products can be reused or recycled. Evaluating processes based on their sustainability helps determine which options are greener, such as favoring processes that produce no by-products.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic approach to evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or process from cradle to grave. It considers all stages, including raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal. By applying LCA, one can assess the overall environmental footprint of different chemical processes and make informed decisions about greener alternatives.

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Textbook Question

You are working with an artist who has been commissioned to make a sculpture for a big city in the eastern United States. The artist is wondering what material to use to make her sculpture because she has heard that acid rain in the eastern United States might destroy it over time. You take samples of granite, marble, bronze, and other materials, and place them outdoors for a long time in the big city. You periodically examine the appearance and measure the mass of the samples. (a) What observations would lead you to conclude that one or more of the materials are well- suited for the sculpture?

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Textbook Question

You are working with an artist who has been commissioned to make a sculpture for a big city in the eastern United States. The artist is wondering what material to use to make her sculpture because she has heard that acid rain in the eastern United States might destroy it over time. You take samples of granite, marble, bronze, and other materials, and place them outdoors for a long time in the big city. You periodically examine the appearance and measure the mass of the samples. (b) What chemical process (or processes) is (are) the most likely responsible for any observed changes in the materials? [Section 18.2]

Where does the energy come from to evaporate the esti- mated 425,000 km3 of water that annually leaves the oceans, as illustrated here? [Section 18.3]

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Textbook Question

(a) What is the primary basis for the division of the atmosphere into different regions?

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Textbook Question

(b) Name the regions of the atmosphere, indicating the altitude interval for each one.