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 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 smog.
Smog formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants.
What is ?
Sulfur dioxide, the main pollutant in industrial smog.
What are ?
Nitrogen oxides, a main pollutant in photochemical smog.
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.