Air Pollution

Question 1

What gases are released into the air when fossil fuel are burned?

Answer 1

Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen oxides, Sulfur dioxide and Carbon monoxide. Particulate Carbon (soot) is also released.

Question 2

Where does carbon (soot) come from?

Answer 2

Carbon (soot) comes from the incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon atoms.

Question 3

Where does carbon dioxide come from?

Answer 3

Carbon dioxide comes from the complete combustion of any fuel containing carbon atoms

Question 4

Where do nitrogen oxides come from?

Answer 4

Nitrogen oxides come from the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air, caused by the heat of burning (usually from inside the engine of a vehicle).

Question 5

Where does sulfur dioxide come from?

Answer 5

Sulfur dioxide comes from the combustion of a fossil fuel which contains sulfur impurities.

Question 6

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Answer 6

Carbon monoxide comes from the incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon atoms.

Question 7

What are the effects of particulates in the air?

Answer 7

1) If particulates are inhaled, they can get stuck in the lungs and cause damage, leading to respiratory problems.
2) The particulates themselves or the clouds they help to produce, reflect sunlight back into space, leading to less light on Earth and global dimming.

Question 8

What are the effects of carbon dioxide in the air?

Answer 8

Extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases the greenhouse effect, leading to more thermal energy being trapped by the atmosphere, this causes the planet to be warmer that is naturally should be. This is called global warming.

Question 9

What are the effects of carbon monoxide in the air?

Answer 9

By binding to the haemoglobin in your blood, carbon monoxide can cause your blood to carry less oxygen around the body. This can cause fainting, a coma or even death. Carbon monoxide doesn’t have a colour or smell, making it even harder to detect.

Question 10

What are the effects of sulfur dioxide in the air?

Answer 10

1) When sulfur dioxide is mixed with clouds it forms dilute sulfuric acid, which can then fall as acid rain. Acid rain kills plants, damages buildings and statues, and can make metal corrode.
2) It can also cause respiratory problems if inhaled.

Question 11

What are the effects of nitrogen oxides in the air?

Answer 11

1) Nitrogen oxides can form dilute nitric acid, which can fall as acid rain.
2) It can create smog (type of air pollution, visible smoky fog) which is harmful to health.
3) It can also create respiratory problems if inhaled.