List the common products formed when an organic material containing the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen decomposes (a) under aerobic conditions, (b) under anaerobic conditions.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the decomposition process. Decomposition is the breakdown of organic material into simpler substances. It can occur under aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions.

Step 2: Identify the elements present in the organic material. The given elements are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), sulfur (S), and nitrogen (N).

Step 3: Determine the common products formed under aerobic conditions. In the presence of oxygen, organic material typically decomposes into carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Step 4: Determine the common products formed under anaerobic conditions. Without oxygen, decomposition often results in methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other reduced compounds.

Step 5: Consider the environmental and biological factors that influence the decomposition process, such as temperature, pH, and microbial activity, which can affect the specific products formed.

Key Concepts

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

Aerobic Decomposition

Aerobic decomposition occurs in the presence of oxygen, where microorganisms break down organic matter, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This process is efficient and typically leads to the formation of stable end products like humus, which enriches soil. The presence of oxygen allows for complete oxidation of organic compounds, making it a crucial process in natural ecosystems.

Anaerobic Decomposition

Anaerobic decomposition takes place in the absence of oxygen, leading to the breakdown of organic materials by anaerobic bacteria. This process produces methane, carbon dioxide, and other byproducts, often resulting in less stable compounds compared to aerobic decomposition. Anaerobic conditions are common in environments like swamps and landfills, where organic matter accumulates without exposure to air.

Elemental Composition of Organic Materials

Organic materials are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The specific arrangement and bonding of these elements influence the decomposition process and the types of products formed. For instance, nitrogen can lead to the formation of ammonia during decomposition, while sulfur can produce hydrogen sulfide, affecting the overall chemical pathways and end products in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

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Textbook Question

The organic anion

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Magnesium ions are removed in water treatment by the addition of slaked lime, Ca(OH)2. Write a balanced chemical equation to describe what occurs in this process

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Textbook Question

In the lime soda process once used in large scale munici-pal water softening, calcium hydroxide prepared from lime and sodium carbonate are added to precipitate Ca2+ as CaCO3(s) and Mg2+ as Mg(OH)2(s): Ca2+(aq) + CO32-(aq) → CaCO3(s) Mg2+(aq) + 2 OH-(aq) → MgOH2(aq) How many moles of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CO3 should be added to soften (remove the Ca2+ and Mg2+) 1200 L of water in which [Ca2+] = 5.0x10-4 M and [Mg2+] = 7.0x10-4 M?