Environmental Chemistry Chapter 14: The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the envelope of gases that surrounds the Earth.

The atmosphere specifically refers to the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, while the environment encompasses all living and non-living things in a given area including air, water, and land.

Nitrogen and oxygen constitute about 99% by volume of the Earth's atmosphere.

<p>The temperature is maintained through the absorption of infrared radiation by various gases, including carbon dioxide and water vapor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ozone layer exists in the stratosphere, approximately 25 to 30 km above the Earth's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The temperature in the upper stratosphere is higher due to the presence of ozone, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An air pollutant is a substance in the air that can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CH4 - Primary</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CO2 is called a greenhouse gas because it traps heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flood risks are increasing due to climate change, which is causing more extreme weather events and rising sea levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Burning in open air is often preferred to avoid toxic build-up in confined spaces; however, it can still contribute to air pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sulfur-containing compounds are emitted naturally through volcanic eruptions, bacterial decay of organic matter, and forest fires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>NO is formed by the direct combination of nitrogen and oxygen during the high temperatures of fuel combustion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acid rain is produced when rainwater combines with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acid rain damages buildings by reacting with materials such as limestone and marble, leading to erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acid rain lowers the pH of water bodies, which can harm aquatic organisms and disrupt ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plants can die due to conditions caused by acid rain, such as soil acidification and direct leaf damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ozone is beneficial as it protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, reducing the risk of skin cancer and other health issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ozone is depleting due to the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals that break down ozone molecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ozone hole refers to regions of significant depletion of the ozone layer, particularly over Antarctica.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, approximately 25 to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere due to the decreasing density of air and the fact that the Earth's surface, which absorbs heat from the sun, is the primary source of warmth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Primary air pollutants are emitted directly from a source, such as carbon monoxide (CO), while secondary air pollutants are not emitted directly but form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions, such as ozone (O3).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major sources of CO emissions include vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and residential heating, while CO2 emissions predominantly come from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CO2 traps heat in the atmosphere through the greenhouse effect, where it absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, contributing to global warming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Carbon monoxide (CO) binds with hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen transported in the body, which can lead to serious health issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SO2 can cause respiratory problems, aggravate existing heart diseases, and contribute to the formation of acid rain, which can harm the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Methane (CH4) is produced during anaerobic decomposition of organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acid rain lowers the pH of soil by introducing sulfuric and nitric acids, which leach base cations from the soil, leading to increased acidity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ozone depletion can lead to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, resulting in higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts, and negatively affecting ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ozone layer is formed when oxygen molecules (O2) are split by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the free oxygen atoms react with other oxygen molecules to create ozone (O3).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The troposphere contains most of the atmospheric mass because it is the closest layer to the Earth's surface, where gravitational forces are strongest, and it holds the majority of air molecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Atmospheric gases are essential for maintaining life, regulating temperature, supporting weather patterns, and facilitating processes such as photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The troposphere is characterized by weather phenomena, a decrease in temperature with height, and a higher concentration of water vapor and pollutants near the surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, has a stable temperature profile, and experiences temperature increases due to ozone absorption of UV radiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increasing CO2 concentration enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to climate change, which can disrupt ecosystems and human activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CO is considered a health hazard because it can prevent oxygen from binding to hemoglobin in the blood, leading to asphyxiation and other serious health issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acid rain is precipitation that has a lower pH due to the presence of sulfuric and nitric acids, formed from SO2 and NOx emissions reacting in the atmosphere. It can damage ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sources of sulfur compounds include fossil fuel combustion, volcanic eruptions, and industrial processes. Their effects can include respiratory problems and contributions to acid rain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ozone layer lies within the stratosphere. It is depleting mainly due to human-made chemicals like CFCs. Prevention can involve phasing out these substances and enhancing regulations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sources of nitrogen oxides include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and combustion of fossil fuels, which contribute to smog and respiratory issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers