All Flashcards
Define primary air pollutant.
Pollutants released directly from a source.
Define secondary air pollutant.
Pollutants formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere.
What is photochemical smog?
Smog created by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and VOCs with heat and sunlight.
What is thermal inversion?
A deviation from the normal temperature gradient where a layer of warm air traps cooler air below it.
Define Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
What is Particulate Matter?
A mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.
Define emission standards.
Regulations setting maximum amounts of pollutants that can be released.
What is acid rain?
Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, typically caused by industrial emissions.
Define air quality index (AQI).
An index for reporting daily air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is.
What are CFCs?
Chlorofluorocarbons, harmful chemicals phased out by the Montreal Protocol.
What is the main goal of the Clean Air Act?
To set emission standards for cars and limit pollutant release into the atmosphere.
What substances are targeted by the Montreal Protocol?
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and other ozone-depleting substances.
What is the primary focus of the Kyoto Protocol?
Setting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for participating countries.
What are the steps in photochemical smog formation?
- NOx and VOCs are released. 2. They react with heat and sunlight. 3. Tropospheric ozone and other components of smog form.
Describe the formation of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
Nitric oxide (NO) oxidizes in the atmosphere to form Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).