Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Flashcards covering key concepts of atmospheric pollution, air quality, pollutants, and their environmental impacts.

What are the five major layers of the atmosphere from lowest to highest?

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere.

What is the composition of the atmosphere in terms of major gases?

78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, .9% Argon, .4% Water Vapor, .04% Carbon Dioxide, and <1% Other Trace Gases.

Define air pollution.

Air pollution is the contamination of the air by harmful substances or pollutants that can be chemical, physical or biological.

What is a primary pollutant?

A primary pollutant is directly emitted into the air from a specific source.

What is a secondary pollutant?

A secondary pollutant is not directly emitted but is formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between primary pollutants and other substances.

What contributes to global warming and climate change?

Carbon Dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere.

What are the primary sources of sulfur dioxide?

Power plants, refineries, and the combustion of coal and oil.

What are particulate matter?

Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

What is photochemical smog?

A type of air pollution formed when sunlight reacts with specific pollutants in the atmosphere.

What is thermal inversion?

A phenomenon where the lower part of the troposphere is cooler than the higher part, trapping pollutants close to the ground.

What is acid rain?

Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere.

Identify two common indoor air pollutants.

Asbestos and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

What is the role of a catalytic converter?

It reduces emissions in engines by converting pollutants in the exhaust into less harmful substances.

Describe two long-term effects of noise pollution on animal populations.

Increased stress leading to heart rate changes and habitat abandonment.