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ENV IGCSE > Chapter 7: The Atmosphere and Human Activities > Flashcards

Chapter 7: The Atmosphere and Human Activities Flashcards

1
Q

Q: What percentage of the atmosphere is water vapor (H₂O)?

A

A: 0.2-4%

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2
Q

Q: How long does carbon dioxide (CO₂) typically stay in the atmosphere?

A

A: 200 years

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2
Q

Q: What is the primary importance of argon (Ar) in the atmosphere?

A

A: It creates an inert atmosphere that protects materials from reacting with other gases.

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2
Q

Q: What is the role of CFCs in ozone depletion?

A

A: They release chlorine when broken down by ultraviolet radiation, which destroys ozone molecules.

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2
Q

Q: What role does carbon dioxide (CO₂) play in the atmosphere?

A

A: It is used by plants in photosynthesis and acts as a greenhouse gas.

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3
Q

Q: What is the typical atmospheric lifespan of methane?

A

A: 12-17 years

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3
Q

Q: How long do CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) remain in the atmosphere?

A

A: 1000 years

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4
Q

Q: What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

A

A: Chemicals that easily enter the atmosphere as gases from evaporation, e.g., hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

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4
Q

Q: What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

A: The increased retention of heat in the atmosphere due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.

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4
Q

Q: What causes acid rain?

A

A: The burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that react with water vapor to form acids.

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5
Q

Q: What is temperature inversion?

A

A: A weather condition where the air temperature increases with altitude, disrupting convection currents and trapping pollutants.

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5
Q

Q: What is photochemical smog?

A

A: Smog caused by chemical reactions induced by sunlight on pollutants, forming substances like ground-level ozone.

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6
Q

Q: What is a key impact of acid rain on water sources?

A

A: It causes acidification, making groundwater undrinkable and harming aquatic life.

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6
Q

Q: What human activities increase carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere?

A

A: Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

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6
Q

Q: How does methane contribute to the greenhouse effect?

A

A: It is released from cattle, rice production, and decomposing waste, contributing to global warming.

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7
Q

Q: How does ozone layer depletion affect humans?

A

A: It leads to higher ultraviolet radiation, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and sunburn.

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7
Q

Q: How does smog affect human health?

A

A: It can irritate eyes and throat, and lead to respiratory diseases like asthma.

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7
Q

Q: What is the effect of climate change on ice sheets and glaciers?

A

A: Melting of ice sheets and glaciers causes rising sea levels.

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7
Q

Q: What are some transport policies to reduce air pollution?

A

A: Creation of cycle lanes, electric cars, biofuels, and public transport improvements.

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8
Q

Q: How does ozone depletion impact marine ecosystems?

A

A: It limits the reproduction of phytoplankton, affecting the entire food web.

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8
Q

Q: What is reforestation?

A

A: Replanting trees in an area where they were previously cut down or removed.

9
Q

Q: How can catalytic converters reduce vehicle emissions?

A

A: They reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and convert nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into less harmful substances.

9
Q

Q: What is the main cause of photochemical smog?

A

A: Chemical reactions induced by sunlight on pollutants, leading to harmful substances like ground-level ozone.

10
Q

Q: How can vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution?

A

A: They release nitrogen oxides and unburnt fuel vapors.

10
Q

Q: What is afforestation?

A

A: Planting trees in barren land where no forest previously existed.

10
Q

Q: What impact does acid rain have on soil?

A

A: It leaches nutrients like calcium, harming plant growth and reducing crop yields.

10
Q

Q: How does smog formation differ from photochemical smog?

A

A: Smog forms from particles in fog, while photochemical smog results from sunlight-induced chemical reactions.

10
Q

Q: What are the effects of smog on the respiratory system?

A

A: It can cause lung cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and breathing difficulties.

10
Q

Q: What is flue-gas desulfurisation?

A

A: A process using scrubbers to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases.

10
Q

Q: What are the benefits of using low-sulfur coal?

A

A: It reduces sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to better air quality.

10
Q

Q: How does the enhanced greenhouse effect contribute to global warming?

A

A: By increasing the amount of heat retained in the atmosphere due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.

10
Q

Q: What are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?

A

A: Chemicals used as alternatives to CFCs, with a lower impact on ozone depletion.

11
Q

Q: What is the purpose of carbon capture and storage (CCS)?

A

A: To transport and store waste carbon dioxide from power stations to reduce atmospheric CO₂.

11
Q

Q: What is the impact of ozone depletion on plant life?

A

A: Changes in leaf biochemical composition make plants less nutritious as food.

11
Q

Q: How can afforestation help manage atmospheric pollution?

A

A: By increasing the number of trees that absorb CO₂, thus reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.

11
Q

Q: What is the Montreal Protocol?

A

A: An international agreement aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer.

11
Q

Q: How does deforestation affect the atmosphere?

A

A: It increases CO₂ levels by reducing the number of trees that absorb CO₂.

12
Q

Q: How do temperature inversions affect air quality?

A

A: They trap pollutants close to the ground, increasing smog concentration.

12
Q

Q: What is the significance of international climate agreements like the Paris Climate Conference?

A

A: They aim to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through international cooperation.

12
Q

Q: What is the effect of CFCs on the ozone layer?

A

A: CFCs release chlorine that destroys ozone molecules, creating an ozone hole.

12
Q

Q: What is the role of energy-efficient appliances in reducing pollution?

A

A: They consume less energy, leading to lower emissions of greenhouse gases.

12
Q

Q: How does acid rain affect buildings and infrastructure?

A

A: It chemically weathers limestone and other materials, leading to structural damage.

12
Q

Q: What is a common method for reducing vehicle emissions aside from using catalytic converters?

A

A: Using low-sulfur vehicle fuels to decrease sulfur dioxide emissions.

12
Q

How does the enhanced greenhouse effect impact sea levels?

A

A: It causes the melting of ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost, leading to rising sea levels.

13
Q

Q: How can higher road taxes help reduce air pollution?

A

A: By decreasing car ownership and encouraging the use of public transport or cleaner vehicles.

14
Q

Q: What role do scrubbers play in flue-gas desulfurisation?

A

A: They remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases.

15
Q

Q: What is the impact of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems?

A

A: It increases acidity levels in water, harming fish and other aquatic organisms.

16
Q

Q: How does climate change lead to desertification?

A

A: Increased droughts and changing weather patterns contribute to the spread of desert conditions.

17
Q

Q: How does the use of energy-efficient appliances contribute to reducing atmospheric pollution?

A

A: They lower energy consumption, thereby reducing emissions from power generation.

18
Q

Q: What is the effect of ozone layer depletion on phytoplankton?

A

A: It reduces their reproduction, impacting the entire marine food web.

ENV IGCSE (9 decks)

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