Unit 10 Study Guide KEY

What is air pollution?

Contamination of the atmosphere from human activities and natural sources.

What are primary pollutants?

Pollutants that are directly released into the atmosphere, such as soot from smoke, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide.

What are secondary pollutants?

Pollutants that form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions, such as ground-level ozone.

About of air pollution is from vehicles, with ___ coming from_____

About ⅓ of air pollution is from vehicles, with 90% coming from passenger vehicles.

What does the Clean Air Act of 1970 regulate?

Vehicle emissions and banned lead in gasoline, reducing lead pollution.

What types of air pollution do scrubbers control?

Scrubbers remove harmful pollutants from industrial emissions.

What is smog?

Air pollution that forms from a mix of smoke, fog, and sunlight, mainly from vehicles and industries.

What can cause Sick Building Syndrome?

Poor ventilation in tightly sealed buildings.

What is the primary cause of acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels mix with water to form acids.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by gases like CO2, methane, and water vapor.

How does the Montreal Protocol help the environment?

It is an international agreement to phase out CFCs and protect the ozone layer.

What leads to sea level rise?

Melting polar ice causes rising ocean levels, affecting coastal cities.

What is one consequence of climate change on agriculture?

Decreased crop yield due to changing temperatures and droughts.

What are some health effects of air pollution?

Short-term effects like headaches and long-term effects like lung damage and cancer.

What is the importance of the ozone layer?

It absorbs UV radiation to protect life on Earth.

What is the major source of sulfur dioxide?

Burning of fossil fuels, especially coal, in power plants.

How can individuals reduce their contribution to air pollution?

Using public transport, carpooling, cycling, and conserving energy.

What is the impact of deforestation on climate change?

Reduced carbon dioxide absorption, contributing to increased greenhouse gases.

What are some alternative energy sources to reduce air pollution?

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy.

What is the role of catalytic converters in vehicles?

To

What is acid deposition?

The deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, fog, dew, or dry particles from the atmosphere.

What are the effects of acid rain on ecosystems?

Damages forests and harms aquatic life in lakes and streams.

What is the function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

It absorbs a portion of the radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the planet’s surface.

What are the dangers of ground-level ozone to human health?

It can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to infections.

How do temperature inversions affect air pollution?

They trap pollutants near the ground, leading to higher concentrations and smog.

What are the main components of photochemical smog?

Nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ozone formed under the influence of sunlight.

How does carbon monoxide affect human health?

It reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness, or death.

What measures can be taken to reduce indoor air pollution?

Improving ventilation, using air purifiers, and choosing low-emission materials.

What is the role of the EPA in regulating air quality?

It sets national air quality standards and enforces regulations