Study guide: Impact on the Atmosphere Flashcards
Air pollution
The contamination of air by harmful substances.
Photochemical smog
Air pollution that forms from the interaction between chemicals and sunlight.
Particulate matter
The mix of both solid and liquid particles.
Acid precipitation
Precipitation that has a lower pH than that of normal rainwater (pH 5.6).
What are some examples of air pollution?
smog, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), particulate matter, and acid precipitation.
What are some of the things that are in demand because of the growing population but are also contributing to air pollution?
food, electricity, cars, airplane flights
What happens when Nitrogen and carbon compounds are released when fossil fuels are burned?
It causes photochemical smog.
What are some of the every day things that release CFCs into the air?
old refrigerators, air conditioners, and propellants in aerosol cans.
What do CFCS do to to ozone?
They react with sunlight and destroy ozone molecules.
What is Particulate matter?
A mix of both solid and liquid particles in the air.
Ex. smoke, dust, and dirt
What causes is Acid Precipitation?
It is formed when gases containing nitrogen and sulfur react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals.
How can we protect the atmosphere?
protect the ozone layer, but this requires cooperation from both the government, scientists, and the public.
What can you do?
Walk, or cycle places instead of driving, Switch to electric vehicles, reduce, reuse, and recycle Install solar panels on your home.
