Ch. 12 Key Terms

Question 1

Air Pollution

Answer 1

The contamination of the atmosphere by the introduction of pollutants from human and natural sources.

Question 2

Primary Pollutant

Answer 2

A pollutant that is put directly into the atmosphere by human or natural activity.

Question 3

Secondary Pollutant

Answer 3

When primary pollutants react with other primary pollutants or with naturally occurring substances such as water vapor.

Question 4

Smog

Answer 4

When air pollution hangs over urban areas and reduces visibility.

Question 5

Temperature Inversion

Answer 5

Occurs when the air above is warmer than the air below.

Question 6

Sick-Building Syndrome

Answer 6

Buildings that have very poor air quality have a condition.

Question 7

Asbestos

Answer 7

Thin fibers and that are valued for their strength and resistance to heat.

Question 8

Decible (dB)

Answer 8

The intensity of sound is measured in units.

Question 9

Acid Precipitation

Answer 9

Precipitation—rain, sleet, or snow—that contains a high concentration of acids.

Question 10

pH

Answer 10

A measure of how acidic or basic a substance is.

Question 11

Acid Shock

Answer 11

Influx of acidic water that causes a rapid change in the water’s pH.