The Impact of Coal Burning on Sulfur Dioxide Emission

How many tons of sulfur dioxide was emitted by the utility company burning 6.17 million tons of coal containing 2.00% sulfur?

A. 123,400 tons

B. 246,800 tons

C. 493,600 tons

Answer:

The correct answer is B. 246,800 tons.

When a utility company burns 6.17 million tons of coal that contains 2.00% sulfur by weight, the total amount of sulfur dioxide emitted can be calculated based on the sulfur content in the coal. In this case, the weight of sulfur in 6.17 million tons of coal is 123,400 tons (2% of 6.17 million tons).

Since the weight of sulfur dioxide emitted is twice that of sulfur, the total amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by the utility company is 246,800 tons (2 * 123,400 tons).

This calculation illustrates the significant impact of coal burning on sulfur dioxide emissions, highlighting the environmental concerns associated with the combustion of coal as a primary energy source.