Page 72 - Big Ideas Year 10 sciPAD 2025

PHOTOCOPYING PROHIBITED
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72 SCIPAD - BIG IDEAS - BOOK 2
FUELS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
The bodies of two men were recovered from inside their
tent this morning. It is thought they were poisoned after
using a gas cooker in their tent while sheltering from last
night’s storm.
There has been a spate of similar tragedies recently,
with campers overcome by fumes after using portable
barbecues.
Carbon monoxide has no smell or taste but can kill
quickly.
Two Men Found Dead After Tragic Camping Accident
The scene of last night’s tragic camping accident
3. After reading the article above, describe the mistake the campers made and how this
tragedy could have been avoided. 



The Dangers of Incomplete Combustion
Soot (Carbon)
Carbon particles can affect the lungs if inhaled. They may cause
respiratory problems, including asthma and even lung cancer.
There is some evidence to suggest it can even get into the
bloodstream and cause blockages in the arteries, leading to
heart disease.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is colourless,
odourless and very toxic. It competes with oxygen for the
haemoglobin in the bloodstream.
When oxygen is inhaled and enters the bloodstream it binds with
haemoglobin to form oxyhaemoglobin. The oxyhaemoglobin
carries the oxygen to all the cells in the body.
When carbon monoxide is inhaled and enters the bloodstream it also
binds with the haemoglobin and forms carboxyhaemoglobin. Haemoglobin
does not release carbon monoxide easily. As more carbon monoxide is inhaled more haemoglobin
molecules turn into carboxyhaemoglobin. This results in a lack of oxygen in the cells and causes
body tissues and cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the victim. Symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, convulsions, respiratory arrest, unconsciousness
and death.
1. Complete the following word equation for the incomplete combustion of methane:
Methane + oxygen water +  + carbon
2. Describe the impact of the inhalation of carbon monoxide on the transport of oxygen
around the body.








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