All Flashcards
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 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 the primary cause of industrial smog?
Burning of fossil fuels, especially coal, in industrial processes.
What is the primary cause of photochemical smog?
Sunlight reacting with nitrogen oxides and VOCs.
Why is tropospheric ozone considered a pollutant?
It irritates the respiratory system and is a key component of photochemical smog.
What role do VOCs play in photochemical smog formation?
They react with NO, forming photochemical oxidants that disrupt ozone breakdown, leading to smog.
How does sunlight contribute to smog formation?
It provides the energy for nitrogen dioxide to break down and form ozone.
How do trees contribute to smog?
Trees emit VOCs, which can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog.
Why is photochemical smog more prevalent in urban areas?
Higher concentrations of vehicles and industrial activity lead to more and VOC emissions.
What is the difference between tropospheric and stratospheric ozone?
Tropospheric ozone is a pollutant in smog, while stratospheric ozone protects from UV radiation.
What are the main sources of ?
Vehicle emissions and industrial processes.
How does smog affect plant life?
It reduces crop yields and quality.