Atmosphere Flashcards
How is Carbon monoxide(CO) formed
It is colourless, insoluble and has no smell.
Forms when there is incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances in fossil fuels
How is Methane(CH4) formed
it is colourless, insoluble and has no smell
Produced from bacterial decay of organic matter such as dead organisms and manure
How is Nitrogen oxides(NO and NO2)formed
Forms during lightning activity/thunderstorms and when nitrogen and oxygen react together, inside hot car engines and furnaces
How is Ozone(O3) formed
Forms during photochemical reactions, when sunlight is being absorbed by pollutants like NO2, reaction between unburnt hydrocarbon and NO2
How is Sulfur dioxide(SO2) formed
Volcanic activity/ combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas
How is Unburnt hydrocarbons formed
Hydrocarbons in petrol that have not been burnt in vehicle engines and escape into the atmosphere.
Effects of Carbon monoxide(CO)
poisonous, it binds irreversibly with haemoglobin and reduces its capacity to transport oxygen, which prevents it from carrying oxygen around the body
Effects of Methane(CH4)
Highly flammable and may be explosive, it also contributes to greenhouse effect and global warming
Effects of Nitrogen oxides(NO and NO2)
cause respiratory problems and dissolve in rain to give acid rain. Acid rain damages vegetation and kills fish. It also increases corrosion rates of buildings (results in photochemical smog)
Effects of Ozone(O3）
It reacts with unburnt hydrocarbons to form photochemcal smog that causes headache, eye, nose and throat irritation. It also damages lung tissues, causing respiratory problems
Effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Irritate eyes and lungs, cause breathing problems and acid rain
Effects of unburnt hydrocarbons
may cause cancer, react with nitrogen dioxide in the presence of sunlight to produce ozone.
Importance of ozone layer
Absorbs ultraviolet light, which can cause skin cancer, genetic mutation and eye damage
How is the ozone layer depleted
chlorofluorocarbons react with ozone to form oxygen, its stability make them not readily biodegraded after use on earth’s surface, they diffuse towards the stratosphere
