APES chem match

CO

Carbon monoxide – toxic gas; binds to hemoglobin → prevents oxygen transport; causes dizziness

CO₂

Carbon dioxide – greenhouse gas; contributes to climate change; high levels harmful

H₂CO₃

Carbonic acid – weak acid formed from CO₂ in water; contributes to ocean acidification

CO₃²⁻

Carbonate ion – buffer in oceans; dissolves in acid conditions; important for shells and reefs

CH₄

Methane – potent greenhouse gas; explosive in confined spaces

CaCO₃

Calcium carbonate – in rocks

N₂

Nitrogen gas – 78% of air; inert

NO₃⁻

Nitrate ion – from fertilizers; causes eutrophication

NO

Nitric oxide – air pollutant; precursor to smog/acid rain; also human signaling molecule

NO₂

Nitrogen dioxide – toxic brown gas; causes asthma

N₂O

Nitrous oxide – “laughing gas”; greenhouse gas; climate impact

HNO₃

Nitric acid – corrosive; part of acid rain

NH₃

Ammonia – toxic gas; irritates lungs; used in fertilizer/cleaners

NH₄⁺

Ammonium ion – fertilizer; excess in water → eutrophication

SO₂

Sulfur dioxide – air pollutant; acid rain; respiratory irritant

SO₃²⁻

Sulfite ion – preservative; can trigger asthma

H₂SO₄

Sulfuric acid – very corrosive; part of acid rain

SO₄²⁻

Sulfate ion – natural ion; excess in water can cause diarrhea

O₂

Oxygen – essential for life; too little = hypoxia

O₃

Ozone – good in stratosphere (blocks UV)

PO₄³⁻

Phosphate ion – essential nutrient; excess → algal blooms & eutrophication

P

Phosphorus – essential for DNA

K

Potassium – essential nutrient for nerves and muscles; imbalance → heart issues

As

Arsenic – toxic element; carcinogenic; groundwater contaminant

Pb

Lead – toxic heavy metal; damages brain

Hg

Mercury – neurotoxic heavy metal; accumulates in fish; damages brain & kidneys

Rn

Radon – radioactive gas; second leading cause of lung cancer

CFC

Chlorofluorocarbons – destroy ozone layer; also greenhouse gases