Air and Atmosphere Flashcards
What is the percentage composition of air?
Nitrogen 78%
Oxygen 21%
Carbon dioxide, Argon, water vapour 1%
What is/are the source(s) of CO and it’s effect on the environment? Give suitable equations for it’s formation
Incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons.
Impedes the transport of Oxygen in the body.
Causes headaches, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and sometimes death.
2C₈H₁₈ + 17O₂ –> 16CO + 18H₂O
What is/are the source(s) of Methane and it’s effect on the environment?
Decay of plant and animal matter
Degradation of rubbish in landfills
Rearing of livestock like cattle
Greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming
What is/are the source(s) of CO and it’s effect on the environment? Give suitable equations for it’s formation
Volcanic activity
Combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum
S + O₂ –> SO₂
Irritates lungs and eyes
Breathing difficulties
Causes acid rain which destroys buildings and ecosystems
What is/are the source(s) of Oxides of nitrogen and their effect on the environment? Give suitable equations for it’s formation
Lightning activity
Internal combustion engines where temperature is high
Causes acid rain
Irritates eyes and lungs
Breathing difficulties
N₂ + O₂ –> 2NO
2NO + O₂ –> 2NO₂
What is/are the source(s) of unburnt hydrocarbons and it’s effect on the environment?
Vehicle exhaust
Chemical plants
Carcinogen
Reacts with nitrogen dioxide in the presence of sunlight to produce ozone
What is/are the source(s) of ozone and it’s effect on the environment?
Reaction of unburnt hydrocarbons with nitrogen dioxide in presence of sunlight
Irritates eyes nose and throat
Breathing problems
