Unit 9: Photochemical Smog

Question 1

Factors that contribute to smog formation

Answer 1

A number of pollutants, VOCs, NOx, traffic, geography, temperature, sunlight, water, complex transformations.

Question 2

Health effects of smog

Answer 2

Carbon monoxide poisoning, respiratory issues, irritated eyes, death, asthma, birth defects, bronchitis.

Question 3

Describe thermal inversion

Answer 3

A relatively warm layer of air at mid altitude covers a layer of cold, dense air below and a cooler layer above.

Question 4

Thermal inversion’s relationship with pollution

Answer 4

At the inversion layer, the cool air and the pollutants in it don’t rise, so traps emissions that then accumulate, causing severe pollution events.

Question 5

What increases smog formation?

Answer 5

Higher temperature, more sunlight, more traffic, increased emissions (VOCs and NO2).

Question 6

Environmental impact of photochemical smog

Answer 6

Reduces sunlight decreasing photosynthesis and ozone damages plants and animals.

Question 7

Economic impact of photochemical smog

Answer 7

Increased health care, lost productivity so decreased agriculture yields.

Question 8

Fewer _____ = less ____ = less ______ = less smog formation.

Answer 8

Vehicles, gas, VOCs