Chemistry of the Environment Flashcards
How does acid rain form?
When sulfur dioxide is oxidised in the atmosphere to sulfur trioxide gas. This gas dissolves in rain water to form droplets of dilute sulfuric acid.
Catalytic converter
They are fitted into cars to remove oxides of nitrogen, They catalyse the reaction between carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide, forming nitrogen and carbon dioxide
Chlorination
A process used in water treatment where chlorine gas is injected to kill any microbes which are too small to be removed by filtration
Climate change
A change in global climate patterns largely believed to be caused by increase in concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Combustion
The burning of a substance in oxygen. If there is sufficient oxygen present for the substance to burn then it’s called complete combustion. Energy is transferred to the surroundings as heat and light.
Complete combustion
Combustion carried out in sufficient oxygen. Water and CO2 are the only products of the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon
Fertiliser
A chemical added to soil to increase the fertility, allowing crops to grow more effectively. They generally contain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Filtration
A separation technique used to separate an insoluble solid from a solution
Greenhouse effect
The increase in the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trapping infra-red radiation from the surface
Greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases include water vapour, CO2, and methane. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life.
Incomplete combustion
Combustion which is carried out with insufficient oxygen. It can lead to the production of toxic carbon monoxide and carbon particulates
NPK fertilisers
Fertilizers that contain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are needed for improved plant growth
Photosynthesis
The reaction which takes place in plants in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight (energy), where CO2 and water react to produce glucose and oxygen.
Potable water
Water that is safe to drink
How to test for water with anhydrous cobalt (II) chloride and copper (II) sulfate
Anhydrous cobalt chloride turn from blue to pink in the presence of water while copper sulfate turns from white to blue.
What is the melting, boiling and freezing point of an impure solution?
Impurities tend to increase the boiling of water (boiling point 100C, melting point 0C), so impure water will boil at temperatures above 100. Impurities tend to decrease the melting point of water so they will melt at temperatures below 0
Why is distilled water used in chemistry labs?
Its used for the high purity, tap water is not typically used because its impurities can interfere with the chemical reaction
What is a rock that stores water called?
Aquifer
Substances found in water from natural sources
Dissolved oxygen, Metal ions (Ca, K, Na, Mg), Plastics, Sewage, Harmful microbes, Nitrates from fertilisers, Phosphates from fertilizers and detergents
Beneficial substances in water from natural sources
Dissolved oxygen: Essential for aquatic life respiration
Metal compounds: Some provide essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium
why is nitrogen dioxide acidic
NItrogen dioxide is an acidic oxide, when it reacts with water, it forms nitric acid
gas that forms alkali when dissolved in water
ammonia
