Chapter 7: The Atmosphere and Human Activities Flashcards
Q: What percentage of the atmosphere is water vapor (H₂O)?
A: 0.2-4%
Q: How long does carbon dioxide (CO₂) typically stay in the atmosphere?
A: 200 years
Q: What is the primary importance of argon (Ar) in the atmosphere?
A: It creates an inert atmosphere that protects materials from reacting with other gases.
Q: What is the role of CFCs in ozone depletion?
A: They release chlorine when broken down by ultraviolet radiation, which destroys ozone molecules.
Q: What role does carbon dioxide (CO₂) play in the atmosphere?
A: It is used by plants in photosynthesis and acts as a greenhouse gas.
Q: What is the typical atmospheric lifespan of methane?
A: 12-17 years
Q: How long do CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) remain in the atmosphere?
A: 1000 years
Q: What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
A: Chemicals that easily enter the atmosphere as gases from evaporation, e.g., hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
Q: What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
A: The increased retention of heat in the atmosphere due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Q: What causes acid rain?
A: The burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that react with water vapor to form acids.
Q: What is temperature inversion?
A: A weather condition where the air temperature increases with altitude, disrupting convection currents and trapping pollutants.
Q: What is photochemical smog?
A: Smog caused by chemical reactions induced by sunlight on pollutants, forming substances like ground-level ozone.
Q: What is a key impact of acid rain on water sources?
A: It causes acidification, making groundwater undrinkable and harming aquatic life.
Q: What human activities increase carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere?
A: Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Q: How does methane contribute to the greenhouse effect?
A: It is released from cattle, rice production, and decomposing waste, contributing to global warming.
Q: How does ozone layer depletion affect humans?
A: It leads to higher ultraviolet radiation, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and sunburn.
Q: How does smog affect human health?
A: It can irritate eyes and throat, and lead to respiratory diseases like asthma.
Q: What is the effect of climate change on ice sheets and glaciers?
A: Melting of ice sheets and glaciers causes rising sea levels.
Q: What are some transport policies to reduce air pollution?
A: Creation of cycle lanes, electric cars, biofuels, and public transport improvements.
Q: How does ozone depletion impact marine ecosystems?
A: It limits the reproduction of phytoplankton, affecting the entire food web.
Q: What is reforestation?
A: Replanting trees in an area where they were previously cut down or removed.
Q: How can catalytic converters reduce vehicle emissions?
A: They reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and convert nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into less harmful substances.
Q: What is the main cause of photochemical smog?
A: Chemical reactions induced by sunlight on pollutants, leading to harmful substances like ground-level ozone.
Q: How can vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution?
A: They release nitrogen oxides and unburnt fuel vapors.
Q: What is afforestation?
A: Planting trees in barren land where no forest previously existed.
Q: What impact does acid rain have on soil?
A: It leaches nutrients like calcium, harming plant growth and reducing crop yields.
Q: How does smog formation differ from photochemical smog?
A: Smog forms from particles in fog, while photochemical smog results from sunlight-induced chemical reactions.
Q: What are the effects of smog on the respiratory system?
A: It can cause lung cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and breathing difficulties.
Q: What is flue-gas desulfurisation?
A: A process using scrubbers to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases.
Q: What are the benefits of using low-sulfur coal?
A: It reduces sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to better air quality.
Q: How does the enhanced greenhouse effect contribute to global warming?
A: By increasing the amount of heat retained in the atmosphere due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Q: What are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
A: Chemicals used as alternatives to CFCs, with a lower impact on ozone depletion.
Q: What is the purpose of carbon capture and storage (CCS)?
A: To transport and store waste carbon dioxide from power stations to reduce atmospheric CO₂.
Q: What is the impact of ozone depletion on plant life?
A: Changes in leaf biochemical composition make plants less nutritious as food.
Q: How can afforestation help manage atmospheric pollution?
A: By increasing the number of trees that absorb CO₂, thus reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.
Q: What is the Montreal Protocol?
A: An international agreement aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Q: How does deforestation affect the atmosphere?
A: It increases CO₂ levels by reducing the number of trees that absorb CO₂.
Q: How do temperature inversions affect air quality?
A: They trap pollutants close to the ground, increasing smog concentration.
Q: What is the significance of international climate agreements like the Paris Climate Conference?
A: They aim to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through international cooperation.
Q: What is the effect of CFCs on the ozone layer?
A: CFCs release chlorine that destroys ozone molecules, creating an ozone hole.
Q: What is the role of energy-efficient appliances in reducing pollution?
A: They consume less energy, leading to lower emissions of greenhouse gases.
Q: How does acid rain affect buildings and infrastructure?
A: It chemically weathers limestone and other materials, leading to structural damage.
Q: What is a common method for reducing vehicle emissions aside from using catalytic converters?
A: Using low-sulfur vehicle fuels to decrease sulfur dioxide emissions.
How does the enhanced greenhouse effect impact sea levels?
A: It causes the melting of ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost, leading to rising sea levels.
Q: How can higher road taxes help reduce air pollution?
A: By decreasing car ownership and encouraging the use of public transport or cleaner vehicles.
Q: What role do scrubbers play in flue-gas desulfurisation?
A: They remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases.
Q: What is the impact of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems?
A: It increases acidity levels in water, harming fish and other aquatic organisms.
Q: How does climate change lead to desertification?
A: Increased droughts and changing weather patterns contribute to the spread of desert conditions.
Q: How does the use of energy-efficient appliances contribute to reducing atmospheric pollution?
A: They lower energy consumption, thereby reducing emissions from power generation.
Q: What is the effect of ozone layer depletion on phytoplankton?
A: It reduces their reproduction, impacting the entire marine food web.
