Inorganic Pollutants 2.1 - Atmospheric Regions and Chemistry

Which of the following radicals is most important in the troposphere?

Hydroxyl radical

What is the dominant reaction in the lower region of the stratopause?

Oxygen gas formation

Which group of oxidants interferes with the synthesis and decomposition of ozone?

OHx, NOx, and ClOx

What is the primary source of anthropogenic chlorine/CFCs?

Refrigerants and blowing agents Signup and view all the answers

Which radical is formed from the interaction of the hydroxyl radical with methane?

Methyl radical Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant radical in the lower region of the stratosphere?

NOx Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following heavy metals is used as an anti-fouling agent?

Tin (Sn) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of lead (Pb) toxicity?

Inhibition of heme synthesis, causing anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following radioactive isotopes is a common waste product of nuclear testing?

Strontium-90 (Sr-90) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of cadmium (Cd) toxicity?

Displacement of calcium, leading to osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following heavy metals is used in the mining of gold?

Mercury (Hg) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary toxic effect of arsenic (As) exposure?

Respiratory and skin cancers Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason behind alkyl metal ions being more toxic than neutral heavy metals?

They contain hydrophobic groups that allow them to penetrate membranes easily. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is known for having the highest concentration of ozone?

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

What gas is primarily responsible for the catalytic decomposition of O3 in the stratosphere?

Chlorine radicals Signup and view all the answers

Which group of radicals can prevent the depletion of ozone for a while by reacting with each other?

Nitric Oxide radicals Signup and view all the answers

What is the limit of the reaction in the thinning of O3 in the stratosphere?

$O2 + hv \rightarrow O + O$ Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radicals come from CFCs and contribute to the catalytic decomposition process of O3?

Chlorine radicals Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of Hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere?

$CH4 + OH \rightarrow CH3 + H2O$ reaction Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Triplet state in terms of electron spins?

Two unpaired spins where one flips. Signup and view all the answers

In which region does most of the kinetic factor dominate rather than homolytic breaking?

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

What does the third digit in the code of bromine-containing CFCs represent?

Number of chlorine atoms Signup and view all the answers

Which compound serves as a catalytic reactor in the Antarctic O3 hole formation?

Polar stratospheric clouds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism through which hydroxyl radicals affect some metabolic cycles?

Hydrogen abstraction Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is known for its gradual nerve-affecting properties and disappearing smell once saturated?

Hydrogen sulfide Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant industrial use of sulfur dioxide in Western countries that use coal as a fuel source?

Vehicle exhausts Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physiological effect of carbon monoxide on humans?

Half-life of 4 hours in blood at rest Signup and view all the answers

How do sulfuric acid deposits affect the soil and environment?

Can undergo dry deposition into the soil or wet deposition, producing sulfuric acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary radical produced near the stratopause?

HOx Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of NO in the atmosphere?

Homolytic breaking of N2 and O2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a property of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

Low boiling point Signup and view all the answers

How is the nomenclature of CFCs determined?

The first digit represents the number of carbon atoms minus one, the second digit represents the number of hydrogen atoms plus one, and the third digit represents the number of fluorine atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the Antarctic ozone hole?

Emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of photochemical smog?

Ozone (O3) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a warfare gas mentioned in the text?

Acetylcholinesterase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in the atmosphere?

Manufacture of fertilizers and batteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the formation of the hydroxyl radical (OH) in the troposphere?

Photolysis of ozone (O3) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with arsenic in water sources?

It can be gaseous, making monitoring difficult Signup and view all the answers