C9: Air Pollution

Question 1

How does the combustion of fossil fuels release gases and particles into the atmosphere?

Answer 1

During combustion, hydrocarbons are oxidised so the CO2 and water vapour are released into the atmosphere

Question 2

How are particulates made?

Answer 2

During incomplete combustion, solid particles of soot and unburnt fuel are released and carbon monoxide can be produced as well as CO2

Question 3

What problems can particulate sin the air cause?

Answer 3

When inhaled get stuck in kings and cause damage -> respiratory problems
Bad for the environment - colloids they help produce reflect sunlight back into space = less light reaches earth causing global dimming

Question 4

What problems does carbon monoxide cause?

Answer 4

Stops your blood from carrying oxygen around your body by binding the haemoglobin - lack of oxygen leads to fainting, a coma, or even death
Has no colour or smell = virtually undetectable

Question 5

How is sulfur dioxide released?

Answer 5

During the combustion of fossil fuels - the sulfur in the fuel becomes fossilised

Question 6

How are nitrogen oxides created?

Answer 6

From a reaction between the nitrogen and oxygen in the air caused by the heat of burning (can happen in the internal combustion cycle gnomes of cars)

Question 7

What happens when the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mid with clouds?

Answer 7

They form dilute sulfuric acid or dilute nitric acid. This falls as acid rain.

Question 8

What problems do the acid rain cause?

Answer 8

Kills plants
Damages buildings and statues
Makes metal corrode
Cause respiratory problems