Environmental Science: Water and Pollution Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of total atmospheric water vapor is found in the lower 5 km of the atmosphere?

90% (correct)

70%

50%

99%

How does air temperature affect the capacity of air to hold water vapor?

Lower temperatures increase the saturation level of water vapor.

Higher temperatures decrease the saturation level of water vapor.

Higher temperatures increase the saturation level of water vapor. (correct)

Temperature has no effect on the saturation level.

What term is used to describe layers of soil and rocks that bear water?

Reservoirs

Permeable layers

Wetlands

Aquifers (correct)

Which of the following best describes point sources of water pollution?

Direct emissions of pollutants into bodies of water Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the role of water vapor in the atmosphere?

It absorbs significant levels of shortwave solar radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What are common examples of anthropogenic sources of water pollution?

Domestic sewage and industrial waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere?

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical formula for water?

H2O Signup and view all the answers

What term describes water pollution resulting from the runoff of contaminated water from multiple sources?

Non-point source pollution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a natural source of water pollution?

Siltation from deforestation Signup and view all the answers

What is the bond angle between the two hydrogen atoms in liquid water?

105° Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of groundwater pollution?

Contamination of drinking water supplies Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the bonds between oxygen and hydrogen in water molecules?

They are polar bonds with a significant ionic character. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of outgoing long-wave radiation does water vapor absorb?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about surface water pollution is true?

It includes both point and non-point sources of pollution. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to solid particles of sewage when dumped on soil?

They are held back by porous soil layers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary source of oxygen released as a by-product during early photosynthesis?

Cyanobacteria Signup and view all the answers

What process occurred during the formation of the ozone layer from molecular oxygen?

Absorption of UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

How did oxygen levels in the atmosphere change over time?

They stabilized after initially rising. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Karman Line a representation of?

The boundary between the atmosphere and outer space Signup and view all the answers

Which gas was discovered by Joseph Priestly and Carl Wilhelm Scheele?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What role did animals play in relation to atmospheric oxygen after its production increased?

They consumed oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

Which element was discovered first in the list provided?

Hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of the Earth's atmosphere?

Mixture of gases Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes Soil Organic Matter (SOM)?

A mixture of plant and animal residues in various decomposition stages Signup and view all the answers

What does CEC stand for in the context of soil properties?

Cation Exchange Capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is most suitable for reducing exposure pathways during soil decontamination?

In situ methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of volatilization in soil decontamination?

To mechanically draw air through the soil to remove volatile compounds Signup and view all the answers

Which method of soil decontamination involves enhancing the activity of microorganisms?

Biodegradation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common plant used in phytoremediation for absorbing uranium from the soil?

Sunflower Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about in situ methods is FALSE?

They require soil excavation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the biodegradation method?

Its effectiveness depends on enhancing microbial activity over a long-term period. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a surfactant in the leaching process?

To lower the surface tension of water Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves solidification of contaminants using an electric current?

Vitrification Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the thermal treatment method?

It is a costly method Signup and view all the answers

How long can contaminants be immobilized using the vitrification method?

10,000 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of adding contaminated soil to hot asphalt mixes?

To volatilize or decompose contaminants Signup and view all the answers

What happens to contaminants during the land treatment method?

They are excavated and spread for biodegradation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adjusting soil pH to 7.0 in land treatment?

To immobilize heavy metals and boost microbial activity Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves encapsulation of contaminants with an additive?

Solidification/Stabilization Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of the photochemical dissociation of water vapor in the early atmosphere?

Formation of the ozone layer Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms were primarily responsible for the early production of oxygen on Earth?

Cyanobacteria Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

75% Signup and view all the answers

What type of water pollution source directly influences bodies of water?

Point sources Signup and view all the answers

What are the polar bonds in water characterized by?

Unequal sharing of electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the total organic compounds in soils, excluding undecayed materials?

Humus Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is NOT used for decontaminating soils?

Biochemical bonding Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the solid portion of soil?

Inorganic and organic matter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 3: The Chemistry of the Environment

Our environment is a complex system including air, water, land, and climate.
Chemistry helps understand, monitor, protect, and improve the environment.
Chemists develop tools to measure pollution and track climate change.

3.2 Chemistry of the Atmosphere

A. The Formation of the Atmosphere

Primitive Atmosphere (4.5 billion years ago): The early Earth's atmosphere was primarily hydrogen and helium, along with ammonia (NH₃) and methane (CH₄).
Early Atmosphere Loss: The young Earth lacked a magnetic field, causing strong solar winds to blow away the primitive atmosphere.
Secondary Atmosphere: Volcanic activity released gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia) forming a reducing atmosphere, similar to Mars and Venus today.
Cloud Formation and Oceans: Water vapor condensed to form clouds, leading to precipitation and the formation of oceans.
Ocean Absorption of CO₂: Oceans absorbed a significant amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Nitrogen Formation: Ammonia was broken down by sunlight resulting in nitrogen formation.
Other Gases: Hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and chlorine were also present in trace amounts.

B. The Oxidizing Atmosphere

Photochemical Dissociation: Strong ultraviolet radiation caused water vapor dissociation, producing oxygen (O₂); however, this amount of oxygen produced is negligible.
Photosynthesis Contribution: Most initial oxygen on Earth was released as a by-product by cyanobacteria.
These organisms were the first to undergo photosynthesis

Atmospheric Chemistry

Atmosphere Definition: The thick mixture of gases surrounding Earth.
Atmosphere Protection: A shield that protects life on Earth.

3.3 Chemistry of Water

Water Composition: A chemical compound of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) bonded as H₂O.
Bond Angle: H₂O has a bond angle of approximately 104.5 degrees in its liquid state.
Density Difference: Ice (solid water) is less dense than liquid water, causing it to float.
Excellent Solvent: Water's property to dissolve many substances.
Cohesion: Water molecules stick together due to hydrogen bonding, leading to surface tension.
High Specific Heat Capacity: Water requires a significant amount of heat energy to change its temperature.
Expansion Upon Freezing: Water expands when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water.
Latent Heat of Fusion and Vaporization: Energy required to change water from ice to liquid and from liquid to vapor.

3.4 Soil Chemistry

Soil Composition: Heterogeneous mix of air, water, inorganic solids, organic matter, and microorganisms.
Inorganic Components: Sand, silt, clay, which form soil structure and horizons (layers).
Organic Components: Soil organic matter or humus, including decomposed plant and animal materials, contributing to fertility and other soil properties.
Acid–alkaline ranges: Soil acidity and alkalinity are important for the availability of nutrients to plants.

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Description

Test your knowledge of environmental science with this quiz focusing on water, water vapor, and pollution. Explore key concepts such as sources of pollution, chemical properties of water, and the role of water vapor in the atmosphere. Perfect for students interested in understanding the importance of water in our environment.