All Flashcards
What is gray smog?
Industrial smog, mainly from sulfur dioxide.
What is sulfurous smog?
Another name for gray smog.
What is brown smog?
Photochemical smog, with nitrogen compounds giving it a brownish color.
What is photochemical smog?
Smog formed by sunlight reacting with pollutants.
What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds, released from vehicles, industrial processes, and even trees.
What is tropospheric ozone?
Ozone in the lower atmosphere; a key component of photochemical smog.
Define industrial smog.
Smog from industrial emissions, especially from burning coal.
Define photochemical oxidants.
Substances formed when VOCs react with NO, disrupting ozone breakdown.
What are ?
Nitrogen oxides, key pollutants in photochemical smog.
What is ?
Sulfur dioxide, the main pollutant in industrial smog.
What is the first step in photochemical smog formation?
Nitrogen dioxide () from various sources is released into the atmosphere.
What happens to in sunlight?
Sunlight breaks into NO + O.
How is tropospheric ozone formed in smog?
O + (with sunlight) → .
What happens at night in photochemical smog formation?
+ NO → + .
What role do VOCs play in photochemical smog formation?
VOCs react with NO, forming photochemical oxidants that disrupt the breakdown of ozone.
What pollutants are released in industrial smog formation?
, particulate matter, and are released from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes.
What do the pollutants from industrial smog react to form?
Sulfuric acid, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide.
Describe the formation of photochemical oxidants.
VOCs react with NO to form photochemical oxidants.
How does ozone contribute to photochemical smog?
Ozone combines with photochemical oxidants to form photochemical smog.
Summarize the process of industrial smog formation.
Pollutants from burning fossil fuels react to form sulfuric acid, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide, creating a thick haze.
What are the health effects of photochemical smog?
Respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing) and cardiovascular problems (increased risk of heart attacks and strokes).
What are the environmental consequences of industrial smog?
Acid rain due to sulfur dioxide emissions.
How does smog impact agriculture?
It reduces crop yields and quality.
What are the effects of ozone on the respiratory system?
Irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath; can worsen asthma.
What are the effects of particulate matter on human health?
Respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
What is the effect of increased VOC emissions on smog formation?
Increased photochemical smog formation, especially on warm, sunny days.
How does burning fossil fuels contribute to both types of smog?
It releases pollutants like , , and particulate matter, which are precursors to both industrial and photochemical smog.
What is the effect of smog on cardiovascular health?
Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.