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Questions and Answers
How does a thermal inversion primarily contribute to air pollution?
How does a thermal inversion primarily contribute to air pollution?
- By increasing the density of the air, which dilutes pollutants.
- By creating strong winds that carry pollutants away from urban areas.
- By trapping cooler air beneath warmer air, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. (correct)
- By facilitating rapid mixing and convection of air masses.
Which of the following best describes the role of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in air pollution?
Which of the following best describes the role of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in air pollution?
- They include nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide and contribute to tropospheric ozone formation. (correct)
- They only contribute to the greenhouse effect.
- They solely deplete stratospheric ozone.
- They are inert gases with no significant impact on air quality.
What is the primary difference between a primary and secondary air pollutant?
What is the primary difference between a primary and secondary air pollutant?
- Primary pollutants are directly emitted from a source, while secondary pollutants form from reactions involving primary pollutants. (correct)
- Primary pollutants are easier to control than secondary pollutants.
- Primary pollutants are more harmful to human health than secondary pollutants.
- Primary pollutants are only created indoors, while secondary pollutants are only created outdoors.
Which of the following pollutants is most directly associated with the formation of acid rain?
Which of the following pollutants is most directly associated with the formation of acid rain?
Why is ground-level ozone considered an air pollutant, while stratospheric ozone is not?
Why is ground-level ozone considered an air pollutant, while stratospheric ozone is not?
Which of the following is a key reaction involved in the formation of tropospheric ozone and photochemical smog?
Which of the following is a key reaction involved in the formation of tropospheric ozone and photochemical smog?
What is the main purpose of a catalytic converter in a car's exhaust system?
What is the main purpose of a catalytic converter in a car's exhaust system?
Which air pollutant is primarily associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer from cigarette smoke?
Which air pollutant is primarily associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer from cigarette smoke?
How does adopting clean coal technology help reduce air pollution?
How does adopting clean coal technology help reduce air pollution?
What is the primary source of carbon monoxide (CO) as an indoor air pollutant?
What is the primary source of carbon monoxide (CO) as an indoor air pollutant?
Which of the following is a common strategy for mitigating photochemical smog caused by vehicles?
Which of the following is a common strategy for mitigating photochemical smog caused by vehicles?
What is a wet scrubber primarily designed to remove from industrial emissions?
What is a wet scrubber primarily designed to remove from industrial emissions?
Why are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) considered indoor air pollutants?
Why are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) considered indoor air pollutants?
Which primary pollutant is discharged from coal burning and exists in the form of $CH_3Hg$?
Which primary pollutant is discharged from coal burning and exists in the form of $CH_3Hg$?
The Clean Air Act of 1973 established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six criteria air pollutants. Which of the following is NOT one of those pollutants?
The Clean Air Act of 1973 established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six criteria air pollutants. Which of the following is NOT one of those pollutants?
What is the role of UV radiation in the formation of tropospheric ozone?
What is the role of UV radiation in the formation of tropospheric ozone?
Which of the following best describes the function of an electrostatic precipitator?
Which of the following best describes the function of an electrostatic precipitator?
Radon-222 is a decay product from which element?
Radon-222 is a decay product from which element?
Which strategy primarily focuses on reducing industrial smog caused by coal power plants?
Which strategy primarily focuses on reducing industrial smog caused by coal power plants?
Why is indoor air pollution often more severe in rural areas?
Why is indoor air pollution often more severe in rural areas?
Flashcards
What is a primary pollutant?
What is a primary pollutant?
Pollutants discharged directly into the troposphere.
What is a secondary pollutant?
What is a secondary pollutant?
Pollutants formed from reactions between primary pollutants and other chemicals in the atmosphere.
What is thermal inversion?
What is thermal inversion?
Lack of mixing/convection due to a density difference where warm, lower density air is positioned above cooler air.
What are Nitrogen oxides (NOx)?
What are Nitrogen oxides (NOx)?
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What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
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What is Nitric Oxide (NO)?
What is Nitric Oxide (NO)?
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What is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)?
What is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)?
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What is Particulate Matter (PM)?
What is Particulate Matter (PM)?
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What is Mercury (Hg)?
What is Mercury (Hg)?
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What is Lead (Pb)?
What is Lead (Pb)?
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What is the formation of tropospheric ozone (O₃)?
What is the formation of tropospheric ozone (O₃)?
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What is the formation of Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)?
What is the formation of Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)?
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What is the formation of nitric acid (HNO₃)?
What is the formation of nitric acid (HNO₃)?
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What is an electrostatic precipitator?
What is an electrostatic precipitator?
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What is a wet scrubber?
What is a wet scrubber?
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What is a three-way catalytic converter?
What is a three-way catalytic converter?
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What did the 1973 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set?
What did the 1973 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set?
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What is Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)?
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)?
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What can Cigarette smoke cause?
What can Cigarette smoke cause?
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What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
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Study Notes
- The topic is air pollution
Air Pollution Key Facts
- Indoor air pollution is more severe and deadly than outdoor pollution.
- Indoor air pollution is more prevalent in rural areas due to indoor burning.
- Modern buildings can also have indoor air pollution.
Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants
- Primary pollutants are directly discharged into the troposphere, examples are CO2, NO, and SO2.
- Secondary pollutants form from reactions between primary pollutants and other chemicals, for example, SO3 becomes H2SO4.
Thermal Inversion
- Thermal inversion is a lack of mixing or convection caused by density differences.
- Warm, lower density air is positioned on top.
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
- Nitrogen oxide includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Ozone
- Stratospheric ozone is beneficial and blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
- Tropospheric ozone is harmful and considered an irritant.
Primary Outdoor Air Pollutants From Fossil Fuels
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is colorless and odorless.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is highly toxic, colorless, and odorless.
- Nitric oxide (NO) is colorless, odorless and a precursor to tropospheric ozone.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) appears as a brown fume.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a precursor to sulfuric acid and acid rain.
- Particulate matter (PM) has two major classes: PM2.5 and PM10 which are fine particles.
- Aerosols are chemically similar to PM in size and include ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3).
- Mercury (Hg) is discharged from coal burning and exists in the form of CH3Hg.
- Lead (Pb) was formerly a major pollutant from gasoline combustion.
Key Reactions
- Formation of Tropospheric Ozone (O₃) & Photochemical Smog:
- NO + O2 → NO2
- NO2 + UV → NO + O
- O + O2 → O3
- Formation of Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄):
- SO2 + O2 → SO3
- SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
- Formation of Nitric Acid (HNO3):
- NO2 + H2O → HNO3
Primary Indoor Air Pollutants
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is colorless and odorless, typically from cooking.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is highly toxic and forms when burning without sufficient oxygen.
- Formaldehyde has a "new" smell and comes from furniture.
- Radon-222 is a decay product from uranium-238.
- Asbestos was formerly used for insulation and fire prevention.
- It consists of fine and abrasive particles.
- Particulates include dust, pollens, and mites.
- Cigarette smoke causes lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and has an unpleasant smell.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) include methane, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Solutions for Photochemical Smog by Vehicles
- Use public transportation.
- Drive hybrid or electric cars.
- Bike, walk, or carpool.
- Drive more fuel-efficient cars.
Solutions for Industrial Smog by Coal Power Plants
- Use renewable energy.
- Adopt clean coal technology.
- Use more efficient appliances.
Clean Coal Technology
- Electrostatic precipitators and wet scrubbers are examples of clean coal technology.
Clean Air Acts
- 1973: National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set standards for 6 criteria air pollutants: CO, NO2, SO2, particulates, ozone, and lead.
- 1990: Established SO2 cap and trade program.
Hazardous Air Pollutants
- HAP stands for hazardous air pollutant.
- The EPA enlists 187 total HAPs.
Cleaner Car Exhaust: Catalytic Converter
- Three-way catalysts help to clean car exhaust.
- This removes CO and hydrocarbons.
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