Ch.12 key terms

Question 1

Air pollution

Answer 1

the result when harmful substances build up in the air to unhealthy levels.

Question 2

Primary pollutant

Answer 2

A pollutant is put directly into the air by human activity

Question 3

Secondary pollutants

Answer 3

form 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

Question 7

asbestos

Answer 7

several minerals that form in long, thin, fibers are valued for their strength and resistance to heat

Question 8

decibels

Answer 8

the intensity of sound measured in units

Question 9

acid precipitation

Answer 9

precipitation that contains high concentration of acids

Question 10

pH

Answer 10

measure of how acidic or basic substances is

Question 11

acid shock

Answer 11

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