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Questions and Answers
Which scenario primarily contributes to the formation of photochemical smog?
Which scenario primarily contributes to the formation of photochemical smog?
- The accumulation of particulate matter from industrial processes in stagnant air.
- Emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-burning power plants.
- The presence of radon gas emitted from the ground in poorly ventilated areas.
- Release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) reacting in sunlight. (correct)
A city experiences a thermal inversion. What is the most likely immediate consequence regarding air quality?
A city experiences a thermal inversion. What is the most likely immediate consequence regarding air quality?
- Improved air quality due to increased dispersion of pollutants.
- A decrease in acid deposition as pollutants are distributed over a wider area.
- Reduced formation of secondary pollutants like ozone due to decreased sunlight exposure.
- Worsened air quality due to the trapping of pollutants near the ground. (correct)
A lake with a naturally balanced ecosystem experiences a significant drop in pH due to acid deposition. Which of the following is the most likely initial effect on the aquatic life in the lake?
A lake with a naturally balanced ecosystem experiences a significant drop in pH due to acid deposition. Which of the following is the most likely initial effect on the aquatic life in the lake?
- Disruption of the reproductive cycles of sensitive aquatic organisms. (correct)
- A boom in the algae population due to the increased acidity.
- Enhanced growth rates of all fish species due to increased nutrient availability.
- Increased biodiversity as more acid-tolerant species thrive.
Which of the following best describes the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle's exhaust system?
Which of the following best describes the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle's exhaust system?
A factory is looking to reduce its particulate matter emissions. Which technology would be most effective for this purpose?
A factory is looking to reduce its particulate matter emissions. Which technology would be most effective for this purpose?
Which of the following is an example of a primary air pollutant?
Which of the following is an example of a primary air pollutant?
What is the primary purpose of vapor recovery systems installed at gas stations?
What is the primary purpose of vapor recovery systems installed at gas stations?
Which indoor air pollutant is commonly associated with building materials and furniture and can cause irritation and long-term health issues?
Which indoor air pollutant is commonly associated with building materials and furniture and can cause irritation and long-term health issues?
What is the key difference between wet and dry scrubbers used in industrial smokestacks?
What is the key difference between wet and dry scrubbers used in industrial smokestacks?
Which of the following contributes most significantly to the formation of industrial smog?
Which of the following contributes most significantly to the formation of industrial smog?
Flashcards
Primary Pollutants
Primary Pollutants
Released directly from sources, such as CO, NOx, and particulate matter.
Secondary Pollutants
Secondary Pollutants
Formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere, like ozone and acid rain.
Common Indoor Pollutants
Common Indoor Pollutants
Radon, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, asbestos and mold found inside buildings.
Industrial Smog (Gray Smog)
Industrial Smog (Gray Smog)
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Photochemical Smog (Brown Smog)
Photochemical Smog (Brown Smog)
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Thermal Inversions
Thermal Inversions
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Causes of Acid Deposition
Causes of Acid Deposition
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Wet Deposition
Wet Deposition
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Vapor Recovery Model
Vapor Recovery Model
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Catalytic Converter
Catalytic Converter
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Study Notes
- Air pollutants are categorized as either primary, emitted directly from sources, or secondary, formed via atmospheric chemical reactions.
Primary Pollutants:
- Primary pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.
Secondary Pollutants:
- Secondary pollutants include ozone and acid rain components.
Major sources of air pollutants:
- Major sources include vehicles, industrial processes, power plants, and natural sources like volcanoes and wildfires.
Indoor Air Pollutants:
- Common indoor pollutants include radon, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, VOCs, asbestos, and mold.
- Sources of indoor pollutants: poor ventilation, building materials, household products, and combustion appliances such as gas stoves and fireplaces.
- Exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, irritation, and long-term diseases like lung cancer and asthma.
Smog Formation:
- Industrial smog, also known as gray smog, results from burning coal and contains sulfur dioxide and particulates.
- Photochemical smog, or brown smog, forms from vehicle emissions.
- Formation of photochemical smog: volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in sunlight to produce ozone and peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs).
Thermal Inversions:
- Thermal inversions occur when warm air traps cooler air below, which prevents pollution from dispersing.
- Thermal inversions worsen smog, leading to poor air quality in cities such as Los Angeles and Mexico City.
Acid Deposition:
- Acid deposition results when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water to form sulfuric and nitric acid.
- Acid deposition lowers pH in water bodies, which harms aquatic life, damages buildings, and weakens soil nutrients.
- Acid deposition occurs as wet deposition (acid rain, snow) and dry deposition (particulate fallout).
Ways to Reduce Air Pollution:
- Vapor recovery systems capture gasoline vapors at gas stations.
- Catalytic converters convert carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons in car exhaust into less harmful gases.
- Scrubbers, both wet and dry, remove pollutants from industrial emissions, with wet scrubbers using water and dry scrubbers using chemicals.
- Electrostatic precipitators use electric charges to remove particulates from smokestacks.
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