Chap 15: Air Pollution

Question 1

Particulate Matter (PM)
[aka particulates or particles]

Answer 1

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air

Question 2

Photochemical oxidants

Answer 2

Class of air pollutants formed as a result of sunlight acting on compounds (ie. nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide)

Question 3

Haze

Answer 3

Reduced visibility

Question 4

Smog

Answer 4

Mixture of oxidants and particulate matter

Question 5

Photochemical smog

Answer 5

Dominated by oxidants (ie. ozone)
[aka Los Angeles-type smog; brown smog; and sulfurous smog]
Dominated by sulfur dioxide & sulfate compounds [london type smog ; grey smog]

Question 6

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Answer 6

Often hydrocarbons : compounds with carbon-hydrogen bonds

ie. gasoline, meter fluid, dry-cleaning fluid, etc

Question 7

Primary pollutants

Answer 7

Polluting compounds directly from smokestacks/smoke pipes/ natural emission sources

Question 8

Secondary pollutants

Answer 8

Primary pollutants that have transformed under the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or other compounds

Question 9

Thermal inversion

Answer 9

A situation in which a relatively warm layer of air at mid - altitude covers a layer of cold air below (and blocks pollutants from escaping)

Question 10

Inversion layer

Answer 10

Traps emissions that accumulate beneath it

Question 11

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Answer 11

Family of organic compounds whose properties make them ideal for use in refrigeration and air conditioning

Question 12

Sick building syndrome

Answer 12

Buildup of toxic compounds and pollutants in an airtight space; seen in newer buildings with good insulation and tight seals against air leaks