Atmospheric pollution - Smoke and smog

Question 1

What is smoke

Answer 1

Smoke is made up of atmospheric particulates produced from incomplete combustion of carbon based materials

Question 2

How is smoke categorised

Answer 2

• PM10
• PM5
• PM1

Question 3

What does PM stand for

Answer 3

Particulate matter

Question 4

What does SPM stand for

Answer 4

Small/suspended particulate matter

Question 5

What are four toxic chemicals that can be found in smoke

Answer 5

• Aluminimum
• Lead
• Fluoride compounds
• Acids

Question 6

How does smoke (particulates) affect humans

Answer 6

Respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis damage to cilia)
Impact on vision (visibility)
Irritation of eyes, nose and throat

Question 7

How does smoke (particulates) affect non living objects

Answer 7

Adsorption of materials/particulates to houses + buildings
Chemical reactions e.g. acid rain = corrosion of metals and stone structures
Reduced energy generation of solar powers

Question 8

How does smoke (particulates) affect living organisms

Answer 8

Respiratory conditions / issues
Reduced photosynthesis from particulates in the air and or on leaves

Question 9

How does smoke (particulates) affect the climate and atmosphere

Answer 9

Block light that reaches Earths surface = reduced temps
Decrease in photosynthesis impacts climate as increase in temp from GHG not being absorbed
Large amounts of particulates in the sky cause global cooling e.g. from volcanic eruption

Question 10

What is smog

Answer 10

Smoke (particulates) + fog

Question 11

What is fog

Answer 11

Airborne droplets