Chapter 12: Air Section Reviews

3. Describe the way in which smog forms.

Smog results from chemical reactions that involve sunlight, air, automobile exhaust, and ozone.

4. Define the term Temperature inversion. Explain how temperature inversion traps pollutants near Earth's surface.

Temperature inversion is the atmospheric condition in which warm air traps cooler air near Earth's surface. The warmer air above keeps the cooler air at the surface from moving upward, so pollutants are trapped below with the cooler air.

+Section 2+ 1. Describe the long-term effects & the short-term effects of air pollution on health.

The short term effects of air pollution on people's health include headache; nausea; irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; tightness in the chest; coughing; and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Long term effects on health that have been linked to air pollution include emphysema, lung cancer, and heart disease.

2. Describe the harmful effects that acid precipitation can have on plants, soils, & aquatic ecosystems.

Acid precipitation can cause a drop in the pH of soil and water called acidification. This changes the balance of a soil's chemistry in several ways which can negatively affect plants by releasing toxic metals into the roots of plants. Acid precipitation can effect aquatic ecosystems known as acid shock (rapid change in the water's pH). This phenomenon may kill large numbers of fish and affect the reproduction of fish and amphibians.

4. Describe a way in which countries are working together to solve the problem of acid precipitation.

Canada and the United States signed the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement in 1991. Both countries agreed to reduce emissions that flow across the Canada- U.S. boundary.

4. Describe several solutions to the energy waste associated with light pollution.

One solution to energy waste includes shielding light so it is directed downward. Using time controls so that light is used only when needed and using low pressure sodium sources -- the most energy efficient sour of light-- where possible are two other solutions.

+Section 1+ 1. Name 5 primary air pollutants, & give important sources for each.

Carbon monoxide: comes from cars, trucks, buses, small engines, and some industrial processes. Nitrogen oxides: comes from burning fuels in vehicles, power plants and industrial boilers. Sulfur Dioxide: comes mostly from burning fossil fuels. Volatile organic compounds: come from burning fuels, vehicles are a major source. Particulate matter: most come from construction, agriculture, forestry, and fires. Vehicles and industrial processes also contribute to particulates.

3. Describe 3 ways in which acid precipitation can affect humans.

First,the toxic metals in crops, water, and fish can then poison the human body when consumed. Second, the Increase in respiratory problems in children. Finally, the decrease of fish influence the livelihood of commercial fishers and people involved in the sport fishing industry.

2. Name the 2 major sources of air pollution in urban areas.

Most air pollution comes from motor vehicles and industry.

3. Describe some of the human health problems caused by noise pollution.

Noise pollution is irritating and damages our hearing by destroying cells in our ears.

2. Describe 2 ways in which indoor air pollution can be prevented.

Ventilation or mixing outdoor air with indoor air, is necessary for good air quality indoors.

+Section 3+ 1. Explain how acid precipitation forms

When fossil fuels are burned, they release oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. When the oxides combine with water in the atmosphere. they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which fall as acid precipitation.