Unit 7 Flashcards
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Primary Pollutants
Pollutants directly emitted from a source, e.g., CO, SO2, NOx, particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5).
Secondary Pollutants
Formed in the atmosphere through reactions, e.g., ozone (O3), sulfuric acid, nitric acid.
Photochemical Smog
Air pollution formed by sunlight acting on NOx and VOCs, leading to ozone production; common in cities with lots of traffic.
Thermal Inversion
A layer of warm air traps pollutants near the surface, preventing dispersion and leading to high pollution levels.
Acid Deposition
Includes acid rain, snow, and fog formed when sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water in the atmosphere.
Wet Scrubber
A pollution control device that removes pollutants from a gas stream by passing it through a liquid to trap particulates and gases.
Catalytic Converter
A device in car exhaust systems that reduces NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions.
Indoor Air Pollutants
Pollutants like radon, asbestos, tobacco smoke, and VOCs from building materials and household products.
Radon
A radioactive gas from uranium decay in soil, which can accumulate in homes and is a lung cancer risk.
Noise Pollution
Unwanted or harmful sound that can cause stress, hearing loss, and disrupt animal communication and navigation.
Voltage
Electric potential or ‘pressure’ that pushes electrons through a conductor.
Current
The flow rate of electric charge; how many electrons pass a point per second.
Power
Rate of energy transfer; calculated as Volts × Amps.
Energy
Total energy used over time; 1 Watt used for 1 hour = 1 Wh.
kWh Cost
You pay for electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Cost depends on rate and usage.
E.g., $0.17 per kWh in the US.
Power Factor
Ratio of real power used to apparent power supplied; impacts efficiency of power usage.
