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Chemistry > Environmental Chemistry > Flashcards

Environmental Chemistry Flashcards

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1
Q

What are gases which cause the greenhouse effect mainly referd to as?

A

Chloro-flouro-carbons (CFC’s)

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2
Q

Describe the greenhouse effect, and also state why it is important

A

Gases like carbon dioxide, methane CFC’s, water vapour and oxides of nitrogen trap the infra-red radiation (heat) from the sun and keeps it near the earth’s surface, to maintian a global average temperature of 5 degrees celcius. This makes life possible on earth.

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3
Q

Describe the greenhouse effect in terms of wavelength

A

CFC’s allow heat in short wavelengths to pass through, but the long wavelenghts wich are re-radiated are reflected by CFC’s

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4
Q

Why is the amount of carbon dioxide in the air increasing?

A
  • Increase in burning of fossil fuels

- Deforestation

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5
Q

Give a name to the gradual increase in temperatures and change in global climate

A

Global warming

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6
Q

What causes global warming?

A

The greenhouse effect “overworks” because there are to many CFC’s (especially carbon dioxide)

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7
Q

Name one property of ozone, and also state the reason for this property

A
  • One of the most vigorous oxidizing agents

- Molecules have much more energy than oxygen molecules

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8
Q

Name two domestic uses of ozone, and state why ozone is suitable for these uses

A
  • Antiseptics, destroys bacteria

- Bleach, causes colours to fade rapidly

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9
Q

What is the function of ozone in the upper atmosphere?

A

Absorbs ultraviolet light and converts it to less harmful radiation.

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10
Q

Name the main air pollutants in our atmosphere

A
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Unburnts hydrocarbons
  • Sulphur dioxide
  • Oxides of nitrogen
  • Lead compounds
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11
Q

Name the effects of carbon monoxide

A
  • Stops red blood cells from carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
  • Can cause death and is highly poisenous
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12
Q

Name the effects of unburnt hydrocarbons

A
  • Smell horrible

- Cause liver damage and cancer

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13
Q

Name the effects of sulphur dioxide

A
  • Attacks lungs and breathing tubes causing bronchitis and other diseases
  • Dissolves in rainwater, casuing acid rain
  • Acid rain damages trees, plants limestone buildings and metal work
  • Has a devastating effect on aquatic life
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14
Q

Name the effects of nitrogen oxides

A
  • Attacks the breathing system

- Causes acid rain

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15
Q

Name the effects of lead compounds

A
  • Brain damage, especially children
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16
Q

Explain into what harmful gases are converted to inside a catalytic converter, and also state the catalyst

A
  • CO to CO2 (platinum)
  • NO to N2 (rhodium)
  • Unburnt hydrocarbons to water & CO2 (palladium)
17
Q

Name three problems with catalytic converters

A
  • Works only with unleaded petrol
  • Lowers fuel economy
  • Does not work in cold conditions
18
Q

Why are fertilisers added to soil?

A

To stimulate plant growth

19
Q

What is nitrogen used for in plants?

A

Formation of proteins

20
Q

What is phosphorus used for in plants?

A
  • Disease and frost resistence
  • Good root growth
  • Formation of DNA
21
Q

What is potassium used for in plants?

A
  • Photosynthesis
  • Respiration
  • Formation of seeds
22
Q

Why is molecular nitrogen so unreactive?

A

Due to the strong tripple covalent bonds between atoms

23
Q

State the ratio in which nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium appear in fertilisers

A

N : P : K

2 : 3 : 2

24
Q

State the dangers of overuse of fertilisers

A
  • Eutrophication

- Converts oxygen carrying haemoglobin in red blood cells into a form incapable of carrying oxygen

25
Q

Why is methane gas a hazard in dumping sites?

A

It is flammable and can cause a fire risk to the surrounding environment

26
Q

Name a disease transmitted by flea-carrying pests

A

Bubonic plague

27
Q

Name the dangerous chemicals found in dumping sites and also their effects

A
  • Lead affects the brain and nervous system
  • Mercury is very poisenous
  • PVC (vinyl chloride) affects health over a prolonged period
  • Benzene is very toxic
  • Arsenic is used as poison
  • Carbon tetrachloride penetrates the skin and the heavy vapour is toxic
  • Cigarette butts contain nicotine which cause lung diseases
28
Q

Describe the financial, economical and ecological implications of dumping

A
  • Local cost to industry clearing illegal dumping sites is increasing
  • Service fees or property taxes of residents increase
  • One option of limiting is recycling
29
Q

Show the three steps of ozone decomposition in the atmosphere, along with the overall process

A
  1. 2NO + O2  2NO2
  2. NO2 → NO + O
  3. O + O2  O3

NO + O3 ⇋ NO2 + O2

Chemistry (8 decks)

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