Exam 3 Flashcards
Energy sources (Fossil fuels)
Coal, oil, natural gas
Fracking
Pumps hydraulic fluids and sand deep into a well to “fracture” shale to release natural gas or oil
Brings cost of natural gas down
Causes earthquakes
Environmental effects: nuclear vs. fossil fuel
Nuclear - generates no sulfur dioxide or carbon emissions
Coal as energy
Greatest energy source in us
Generates sulfur dioxide and carbon emissions
Major forms of renewable energy in USA
Wind and hydroelectric
- hydropower and dams
238U and 235U
Same number proton, different neutrons and atomic mass
Green house gases
Contribute to 50% of global warming
Where does the greatest global warming happen
Greatest warming happens at high latitudes in northern hemisphere
Sea-level rising
Ice and overall warth increases volume ??
Ocean acidification
Co2 lowers ph
Coral bleaching
Coral expels cells living in them at higher temperatures
Three principals of sustainability
The precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, the equity principle
Global warming of 1.5°c will be a disater
All coral reef gone %,÷>×],÷>)%.÷×@
Hydroxyl radicals
Remove common pollutants from the troposphere
Smog: industrial vs photochemical
Photochemical hot dry climates, sick
Industrial, cool foggy climate, death
Ph (define)
Total change in hydrogen concentration
Ozone formation in troposphere
Volatile organic carbon + NO
Highly toxic down here
Oxidize molecules in organisms
O3 depletion in stratosphere
Essential in stratosphere
Blocks uv
Caused by CFC
Chlorine effect on ozone
1 chlorine can destroy 10000 ozone molecules
Can be reused
Microplastics
<5 mm
EPA’s preferred reduction of msw
Reduction of the source of msw
Breakdown of ozone shield (3 reactions)
CFCL3 + UV - CL + CFCL2
CL + O3 - CLO + O2
CLO+CLO - 2CL + O2
Buffering capacity - lime (CaCO3)
Substance that has a large capacity to absorb H+ and maintain pH
Lake or river remains close to neutral despite adding acid
Primary vs. secondary pollutants
Primary - direct product of combustion, evaporation - particulates, vocabulary, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, heavy metals
Secondary - reaction between primary and atmospheric chemicals - ozone, pans, acids
Acid deposition
- sulfuric acid and nitric acid
Acid snow, acid rain, dry fallout, acid fog
The precautionary principle (how to apply)
taking precautionary actions
The polluter pays principle (how to apply)
Polluters should pay for the damage
The equity principle (how to apply)
Rich pollute, poor carry their burden
Uranium-235: commonly used…
As a moderator to slow neutrons in a nuclear power plant
Principles of toxicology
Dose makes the poison
Threshold level and exposure time
4 types of hazard
Biological, cultural, physical, chemical
