Carbon Cycle & Air Pollution Quiz Study Set

What is a carbon sink? Give examples.

A carbon sink is a natural reservoir that stores carbon. Examples include oceans, forests, and soil.

What is a carbon source? Give examples.

A carbon source is any process or activity that releases carbon into the atmosphere. Examples include burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

How does photosynthesis affect atmospheric CO₂, and is it endothermic or exothermic?

Photosynthesis decreases CO₂ in the atmosphere and is an endothermic process.

How is cellular respiration related to photosynthesis?

Cellular respiration is the opposite process of photosynthesis, where energy is released from glucose.

How does cellular respiration affect atmospheric CO₂, and is it endothermic or exothermic?

Cellular respiration increases CO₂ in the atmosphere and is an exothermic process.

What is combustion, and how does it affect the carbon cycle?

Combustion is the burning of hydrocarbons with oxygen, releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere and is an exothermic reaction.

How do agriculture and landfills impact the carbon cycle?

They release carbon from soil into the atmosphere more quickly, increasing the levels of greenhouse gases.

What is ocean acidification, and what causes it?

Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean's pH decreases due to excessive CO₂ absorption from the atmosphere.

How does ocean acidification affect marine life?

It reduces the availability of carbonate ions, making it difficult for marine organisms to build shells and skeletons.

Why are carbonate ions important for marine organisms?

Carbonate ions are necessary for marine organisms to build their shells and skeletons.

How does burning fossil fuels affect the carbon cycle?

Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

Deforestation removes carbon sinks and releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

What are fossil fuels, and why do humans use them?

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from the remains of dead plants and animals. They are used for energy because they are reliable and cost-effective.

Why are fossil fuels harmful to the environment?

They produce excessive CO₂ and methane, contributing to increased greenhouse gases and climate change.

What is the difference between primary and secondary pollutants?

Primary pollutants are emitted directly into the atmosphere, while secondary pollutants are formed through reactions in the atmosphere.

What is acid deposition (acid rain), and how does it form?

Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapor, creating sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

Why is acid rain considered a secondary pollutant?

Acid rain is considered a secondary pollutant because it is formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

What are the effects of acid rain on ecosystems and buildings?

Acid rain can damage forests, deplete soil nutrients, harm aquatic life, prevent fish egg hatching, and damage buildings.

What is the pH scale, and what numbers are acidic, basic, and neutral?

The pH scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic), with 7 being neutral.

What is the normal pH of rainwater?

The normal pH of rainwater is about 5.6.

What is photochemical smog?

Photochemical smog is tropospheric ozone (O₃) formed in the atmosphere.

How does photochemical smog form?

Photochemical smog forms from the reaction of nitrogen oxides, other pollutants, and sunlight, resulting in the production of ozone (O₃).

Why is photochemical smog considered a secondary pollutant?

Photochemical smog is a secondary pollutant because it is produced from reactions in the atmosphere rather than being directly emitted.

What are the effects of photochemical smog on human health?

Effects include eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, and respiratory issues like asthma.

How does photochemical smog affect plants?

Photochemical smog enters the stomata of plants and can cause damage, often described as 'burning' the plants.

How does tropospheric ozone contribute to climate change?

Tropospheric ozone traps heat in the atmosphere, acting as a greenhouse gas.

Which processes increase atmospheric CO₂?

Cellular respiration and combustion increase atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Which processes decrease atmospheric CO₂?

Photosynthesis decreases atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Which human activities most affect the carbon cycle?

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation significantly impact the carbon cycle.

Why are oceans important in the carbon cycle?

Oceans act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.

How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change?

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle is the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals.

What is cellular respiration and where does it occur?

Cellular respiration is the process of releasing energy from glucose, occurring in both plants and animals.

What is decomposition and how does it relate to the carbon cycle?

Decomposition breaks down dead organisms and releases carbon back into the atmosphere through respiration.

What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.

What are the products of photosynthesis?

The products of photosynthesis are glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

What are the reactants of cellular respiration?

The reactants of cellular respiration are glucose and oxygen.

What are the products of cellular respiration?

The products of cellular respiration are carbon dioxide and water.

What are the reactants of combustion?

The reactants of combustion are hydrocarbons (fuels) and oxygen.

What are the products of combustion?

The products of combustion are carbon dioxide and water.

What is an endothermic reaction?

An endothermic reaction is one that absorbs energy.

What is an exothermic reaction?

An exothermic reaction is one that releases energy (heat).

What is the role of forests in the carbon cycle?

Forests serve as carbon sinks by absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis.

What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?

Oceans absorb and store significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.

What happens when oceans absorb too much CO₂?

The ocean becomes more acidic, leading to ocean acidification.

What are primary pollutants?

Primary pollutants are harmful substances that are emitted directly into the atmosphere.

What are secondary pollutants?

Secondary pollutants are harmful substances formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

What is acid rain also called?

Acid rain is also known as acid deposition, which can occur as wet or dry deposition.