Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming, and Acid Rain Lecture Review

Flashcards covering the Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming, Acid Rain, and the properties of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon Dioxide as described in the lecture notes.

Greenhouse effect

The process where gaseous molecules in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation released by the land and ocean, reradiating the heat in all directions to maintain earth's surface temperature.

Greenhouse gases

Atmospheric gases including $CO_{2}$, $N_{2}O$, $CH_{4}$, and CFC that absorb radiations and contribute to the warming of the earth's surface.

Global warming

The average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere caused by the rise in air pollutants and green house gases.

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

A type of greenhouse gas whose usage should be restricted as a preventive measure to save the earth and its resources.

Acid rain

Rainwater that has become acidic due to pollutants like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dissolving in it to form nitric acid and sulphuric acid.

Nitric acid and sulphuric acid

The two acids formed when oxides of nitrogen ($N_{2}O$, $NO_{2}$) and sulphur ($SO_{2}$, $SO_{3}$) dissolve in rain water.

pH of pure rain water

A measurement of around $5.6$ caused by the dissolution of atmospheric $CO_{2}$ in the water.

pH of acid rain

A measurement that is less than $5.6$.

Loss of biodiversity

An effect of global warming characterized by the extinction of coral reefs and other key species.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

A fuel used as a preventive measure to minimize the usage of petrol and diesel to control acid rain.

Oxygen

A colourless and odourless gas that is denser than air, dissolves sparingly in water, and exists in nature as silicates, carbonates, oxides, and water.

Basic oxides

The substances formed when metals such as magnesium, iron, and sodium burn in oxygen.

Soluble nitrogen compounds

The form of nitrogen created when bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen directly for use.

Infrared radiation

The heat energy released by the land and ocean after absorbing solar radiation, which is subsequently absorbed by certain gaseous molecules in the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide ($CO_{2}$)

An acidic gas that turns lime water milky, cannot exist as a liquid at atmospheric pressure, and is utilized in fire extinguishers.