April Exam

Ozone Layer

A layer of ozone gas in the Earth's stratosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation from the Sun.

Ozone Depletion

The destruction of ozone molecules, primarily caused by human activities like releasing CFCs, leading to a thinning of the ozone layer.

Montreal Protocol

An international agreement aimed at phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances to protect the ozone layer.

Greenhouse Effect

The process where greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure comparing the global warming effects of different greenhouse gases to CO2, with CFCs having high GWPs.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in ocean pH due to increased hydrogen ions, causing shell dissolution and impacting marine ecosystems.

Invasive Species

Organisms introduced to new areas by humans that disrupt ecosystems and outcompete native species.

Habitat Loss

The primary factor contributing to biodiversity loss, often caused by human activities like deforestation and urbanization.

Overharvesting

Depleting populations of species through activities like poaching, leading to ecosystem disruption and species extinction.

Renewable Energy

Energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower that are sustainable and do not deplete natural resources.

Tidal Flow

Water flows into the tidal basin through barrage openings during high tide, with sluice gates or turbines closed.

Ebb Tide

Sluice gates or turbines open during the tide's recession, creating a pressure difference for water to flow out.

Turbine Operation

Ebb tide causes water to flow through turbines connected to generators, converting kinetic energy to mechanical energy.

Electricity Generation

Mechanical energy from turbines is converted to electrical energy for grid distribution or local use.

Tidal Reversal

Sluice gates or turbines close as the tide rises to prevent water re-entry into the basin.

Environmental Considerations

Tidal power plants must consider local ecosystems and marine life impacts.

Active Solar System

Utilizes solar energy through mechanical or electrical devices for energy production.

Collection

Solar panels capture sunlight using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal collectors.

Conversion

Sunlight is converted to electricity directly in photovoltaic systems or to heat energy in solar thermal systems.

Storage

Excess energy is stored in batteries or thermal tanks for use during low sunlight periods.

Distribution

Converted energy is distributed locally or to the grid for consumption.

Monitoring and Control

Sensors and systems optimize energy production and ensure system safety.

Passive Solar Home Design

Uses sunlight for heating, cooling, and lighting by strategic building design.

Photovoltaic Panels

Convert sunlight to electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

Wind Power

Harnesses wind energy through turbines for clean electricity generation.

Geothermal Powerplant

Generates electricity by harnessing heat from the Earth's core.

Hydrogen Powered Car

Converts hydrogen gas to electricity through fuel cells for vehicle operation.

Air Pollution

Sources, types (point, nonpoint, natural, anthropogenic), and pollutants (SO2, PM, lead, O3, NOx, CO, VOCs).

Reducing Air Pollution

Strategies like regulation, conservation, alternative fuels, and technologies (scrubbers, catalytic converters).

Photochemical Smog and Thermal Inversions

NOx creation, health effects, photochemical smog equation, and temperature inversion explanation.