Atmospheric Pollution
Liam Thomas
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers air pollution, focusing on primary and secondary pollutants. It explains photochemical smog formation, thermal inversions, and indoor air pollution sources. Finally, it reviews strategies and regulations for reducing air pollution, including the Clean Air Act, Kyoto Protocol, and Montreal Protocol.
#AP Environmental Science: Air Pollution Study Guide 💨
Welcome to your ultimate guide for acing the Air Pollution unit! This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to tackle any question that comes your way.
#7.1: Introduction to Air Pollution
#What Causes Air Pollution?
Most air pollution comes from burning things 🔥. Combustion releases byproducts and impurities into the air. Think of car exhaust 🚗 – it's a major culprit! These pollutants fall into two main categories:
- Primary Air Pollutants: Released directly from sources.
- Examples: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Particulate Matter, Lead
- Secondary Air Pollutants: Form when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere.
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Examples: Tropospheric Ozone (O3), Photochemical Smog
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Understanding the difference between primary and secondary pollutants is crucial. Pay close attention to examples of each.
#Photochemical Smog
Don't let the name intimidate you 😨! Smog is essentially created by cars 🚙 and sunlight 🌞. Cities with lots of cars and warm climates are prone to smog, especially if surrounded by mountains that trap the air. Think Los Angeles and Mexico City.
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Formation: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCs) react with heat and sunlight.
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Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A primary pollutant from fossil fuel combustion. It oxidizes from nitric oxide (NO) in the atmosphere.
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Tropospheric Ozone (O3): A secondary pollutant formed when sunlight interacts with NOx and hydrocarbons. It's a major component of smog.
Think of smog as a “sun-powered car cloud.” Cars release NOx, sunlight provides the energy, and boom – you get smog.
#Thermal Inversion
A thermal inversion is any deviation from the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere. Usually, the air is warmest near the ground and gets cooler as you go higher. During an inversion, a layer of warm air sits on top of a layer of cooler, polluted air, trapping the pollution. This is common in cities located in valleys or bowls.
- Impact: Traps polluted air, leading to prolong...
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