Unit 7 learning outcomes

formation of acid deposition

Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.

State how the ozone concentration is measured using the Dobson Unit

One Dobson Unit is the equivalent of 2.69 × 1016 molecules of ozone per square centimetre.

Evaluate the international agreements used to reduce and phase out the use ozone depleting substances

The Montreal Protocol, finalized in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances The Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of the different ODS in a step-wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing countries

Outline the impacts associated with the use of some alternatives to ozone depleting substances

They can delay the release of the gases into the atmosphere

Describe the impacts of ozone depletion due to the increased amounts of ultraviolet radiation

When a CFC molecule reaches the stratosphere, it eventually absorbs UV radiation, causing it to decompose and release its chlorine atoms.

How ozone depletion occurs

When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules.

photochemical smog

a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities.

ozone hole

a region of marked thinning of the ozone layer in high latitudes, chiefly in winter, attributed to the chemical action of chlorofluorcarbons and other atmospheric pollutants.

Acid deposition

any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.

impacts of photochemical smog

can cause irritation to the respiratory system, trigger asthma attacks, can cause damage to plant life as well as buildings

impacts of acid deposition on aquatic environments, vegetation and crops, stone and brick buildings

it can harm animals, detiriorate buildings and monuments as well as pollute soil and start to harm animals and people through the consumption of crops.

strategies for managing air pollution

reducing car usage, recycle and reuse, save energy, use natural products, use sustainable products

Outline the importance of experimental evidence to support a hypothesis, using the ozone destruction hypothesis suggested by Rowland-Molina as an example

the importance is finding accuracy and if accuracy can't be found its important know know that moderations need to be made.

Why has ozone depletion been greatest over Antarctica?

warmer weather and ozone rich air from outside the polar vortex disrupts the chemical reactions causing ozone depletion

Types of acid deposition

wet deposition- rain or snow dry deposition- gases and dust