All Flashcards
What is the main cause of industrial smog?
Burning coal and industrial emissions, especially sulfur dioxide.
What is the main cause of photochemical smog?
Sunlight reacting with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and VOCs.
Where is industrial smog most common?
Areas with heavy industrial activity like power plants and factories.
Where is photochemical smog most common?
Urban areas with lots of traffic and industrial activity.
How do VOCs contribute to photochemical smog?
VOCs react with NO, forming photochemical oxidants that disrupt ozone breakdown.
Why is tropospheric ozone considered a pollutant?
It irritates the respiratory system and is a key component of smog.
Explain the difference between tropospheric and stratospheric ozone.
Tropospheric ozone is a pollutant in smog, while stratospheric ozone protects us from UV radiation.
Describe the role of sunlight in smog formation.
Sunlight provides the energy for reactions that create photochemical smog.
What are the main components of photochemical smog?
Nitrogen oxides (), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and tropospheric ozone ().
What are the main components of industrial smog?
Sulfur dioxide (), particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides ().
What are the health effects of photochemical smog?
Respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing) and cardiovascular issues (increased risk of heart attacks).
What are the health effects of industrial smog?
Similar respiratory and cardiovascular problems as photochemical smog.
What is the effect of photochemical smog on plants?
Reduces crop yields and quality.
What is the effect of sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial smog?
Can cause acid rain.
What is the impact of VOCs on ozone levels?
VOCs disrupt the breakdown of ozone, leading to higher ozone levels.
What is the effect of increased traffic on smog formation?
Increased traffic leads to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and VOCs, increasing smog formation.
What is the effect of warm, sunny days on smog formation?
Warm, sunny days provide the energy for photochemical reactions, increasing smog formation.
What is the effect of particulate matter on human health?
Irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
What is the effect of ozone on human health?
Irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Can worsen asthma.
What is the effect of industrial smog on ecosystems?
Similar respiratory and cardiovascular problems as photochemical smog and can cause acid rain due to sulfur dioxide emissions.
What are the steps of photochemical smog formation?
- breaks down into NO + O (sunlight). 2. O + → (sunlight). 3. VOCs react with NO, forming photochemical oxidants. 4. + oxidants = smog.
Describe the nighttime reaction in photochemical smog formation.
+ NO → +
What are the steps of industrial smog formation?
- , particulate matter, and are released. 2. Pollutants react to form sulfuric acid, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide. 3. This mix creates the thick haze.
Explain how nitrogen dioxide contributes to ozone formation.
Sunlight breaks into NO and O; the free oxygen (O) combines with atmospheric oxygen () to form ozone ().
How do VOCs disrupt the breakdown of ozone?
VOCs react with NO, forming photochemical oxidants that prevent NO from reacting with ozone.
What happens to ozone at night in areas with high NO concentrations?
Ozone reacts with NO to form and , reducing ozone levels.