Canadian Entry To Practice (CETP) Practice Test

True or False: If aldehydes are present, carbon monoxide is almost always present.

1. True

2. False

3. Only when combustion is incomplete

4. Only in well-ventilated areas

The correct answer is: True

The statement that if aldehydes are present, carbon monoxide is almost always present is true, particularly in the context of combustion processes. Aldehydes can be formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic materials, which also produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct. This relationship exists because both compounds may be generated under similar conditions, particularly in environments where burning occurs, such as in engines, heaters, or certain industrial processes. In settings where aldehydes are detected, it is often indicative of not only their own production but also the potential presence of other harmful emissions, like carbon monoxide, due to insufficient oxygen supply during combustion. Hence, the presence of aldehydes can serve as a marker for carbon monoxide, making the statement accurate in many scenarios involving combustion. While other factors can influence the presence of these gases (such as equipment type, efficiency, and ventilation), the underlying chemistry strongly ties aldehydes and carbon monoxide together, particularly in situations of incomplete combustion.