bio

What contributes to air pollution in the atmosphere?

The addition of pollutants, particularly from burning fossil fuels.

What major gases are released from burning fossil fuels?

Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons.

What is pollution?

The addition of harmful materials or pollutants to the environment.

How does sulfur dioxide affect the environment?

It can mix with rainwater to form sulfuric acid, contributing to acid rain.

What is acid rain?

Rain whose pH levels have been lowered by dissolved acids, such as sulfuric acid.

What harmful effects does acid rain have on ecosystems?

It damages buildings, harms plants, and affects aquatic organisms.

What can be a primary source of carbon monoxide?

The incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds.

What is smog?

A type of air pollution made of a combination of fog and smoke.

What conditions contribute to the formation of photochemical smog?

High levels of unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in sunlight.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The phenomenon where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth.

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

An increase in the levels of greenhouse gases which causes extra warming.

What is global warming?

The gradual rise in Earth's average temperature due to increased greenhouse gases.

What is a significant consequence of deforestation?

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

How can methane enter the atmosphere?

From cattle digestion, natural gas leaks, and decay of organic wastes.

What are CFCs and their role in air pollution?

Chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigeration that can damage the ozone layer.

What could be a result of global warming on weather patterns?

Changes in precipitation, with some areas becoming drier or wetter.

What can high global temperatures cause concerning polar ice caps?

Melting of ice caps leading to rising sea levels.

What is nuclear pollution?

Pollution caused by the release of radioactive materials into the environment.

What are ionizing radiation types mentioned in the notes?

Gamma rays, X-rays, beta particles, and alpha particles.

What safety measures must nuclear power plants follow?

They must adhere to strict safety regulations to limit radiation release.

What was a significant nuclear accident mentioned?

The Chernobyl nuclear power station accident in 1986.

What immediate symptoms can exposure to high doses of radiation cause?

Radiation sickness, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and burns.

How does carbon monoxide poisoning occur?

It binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing oxygen transport.

Why are suspended particles in the atmosphere harmful?

They can cause respiratory diseases in humans.

What is the result of burning fossil fuels on air quality?

The release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere.

How do sulfuric and nitric acids form in the environment?

From the dissolution of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in rainwater.

What is one effect of rising atmospheric methane levels?

Increased cattle raising for food demands.

What pollutant is emitted during incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons?

Unburned hydrocarbons.

What health effects can photochemical smog cause?

Eye irritation, throat irritation, and respiratory issues.

What is a long-term consequence of global warming on ecosystems?

Increased risk of species extinction due to habitat changes.

What happens to contaminants when they enter food chains from nuclear pollution?

They can harm organisms at multiple trophic levels.

What can result from acidification of lakes and rivers?

Threats to aquatic life due to increased aluminum solubility.

What is the importance of conducting safety regulations in nuclear power plants?

To prevent the release of radioactive substances into the environment.

What are the effects of acid rain on soil?

It washes out essential nutrients.

What phenomenon is similar to the greenhouse effect?

Heat trapping in glass greenhouses.

What types of conditions lead to increased greenhouse gases?

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agricultural practices.

How does increased greenhouse gas concentration affect Earth?

It leads to enhanced greenhouse effect and potential global warming.

What is one way to mitigate global warming?

Controlling emissions of greenhouse gases.