atmosphere and the environment Flashcards
what is the composition of air
air is a mixture of elements and compounds
it is made up of 78% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen, 0.9% argon, 0.17% other gases and 0.03% carbon dioxide
can air be separated into its constituent gases? if yes, how?
it can be separated into its constituent gases through fractional distillation of liquid air
carbon monoxide
carbon monoxide is an air pollutant that when inhaled, binds with the haemoglobin in our blood and reduces the ability to transport oxygen, lead to breathing difficulties and potential death
source: incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances
oxides of nitrogen
oxides of nitrogen (NO,NO2), is an air pollutant. health wise, oxides of nitrogen causes difficulties with breathing, and irritated lungs and eyes. environmentally wise, oxides of nitrogen causes acid rain, which corrodes marble buildings and metal structures. it also lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, harming aquatic life and plants.
source: internal combustion of engine, lighting activity (at high temperature, nitrogen reacts with oxygen in the air)
sulfur dioxide
sulfur dioxide is an air pollutant. health wise, it can cause difficulties with breathing and irritate ones eyes and lungs. environmentally, sulfur dioxide causes acid rain which corrodes marble buildings and metal structures. it also lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, harming aquatic life and plants.
source: volcano eruptions and combustion of fossil fuels
methane
methane is a pollutant that comes from the decaying of plants and animals. it is a greenhouse gas which traps heat, so it causes global warming
unburnt hydrocarbons
released from vehicle exhaust
ozone
it is formed when nitrogen dioxide in the air reacts with unburnt hydrocarbons in the presence of uv light. it produces photochemical smog, which irritate the eyes and lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
