Environmental Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of air?

Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Argon
Nitrogen (correct)

Pollutants are substances that are beneficial to life.

False (B)

What are three examples of pollutants mentioned in the text?

Carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

The depletion of the ______ layer is a serious environmental concern caused by substances like CFCs.

<p>ozone</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pollutants with their primary source:

<p>Carbon monoxide (CO) = Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) = Burning of fossil fuels containing sulfur Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) = Combustion processes in vehicles and power plants Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) = Refrigerators, aerosols, and air conditioners</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Composition of Air

The mixture of gases that makes up the Earth's atmosphere, including nitrogen, oxygen, and pollutants.

Major Components of Air

Air is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%), and small amounts of carbon dioxide and pollutants.

Pollutants

Substances that contaminate the environment, harmful to life, including gases like CO, SO₂, NO₂, and H₂S.

Acid Rain

Rainfall made acidic by pollutants, which can harm ecosystems, buildings, and human health.

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Ozone Layer

A protective layer in the stratosphere that absorbs and scatters harmful UV radiation from the sun.

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Study Notes

The Atmosphere

Air is a mixture of gases, essential for life and also harmful pollutants
Air contains nitrogen (~78%), oxygen (~21%), argon (~0.93%), carbon dioxide (~0.03%), other inert gases (very small quantities), water vapor (~1% varying quantities), and pollutants (varying quantities)

Pollution

Pollution is the contamination of the environment by harmful substances
Pollutants harm life
Key concerns for environmentalists include acid rain, water table contamination, and landfill build-up of non-biodegradable materials (all caused by irresponsible human practices)
Increasing pollutants in the air, water, and land impact health
Ozone layer depletion (by harmful substances like CFCs, used in refrigerators, aerosols, and air conditioners) causes increased harmful UV rays