This AP Environmental Science study guide covers air pollution, focusing on primary pollutants (like CO, NOx, SOx, and particulates), secondary pollutants (like ozone and sulfuric acid), sources of pollution (especially fossil fuel and coal combustion), the Clean Air Act, and the impacts of air pollution (smog, acid rain, health effects). It includes practice multiple-choice and free-response questions, targeting exam preparation and highlighting key vocabulary.

#AP Environmental Science: Air Pollution Study Guide 💨

Hey there! Let's break down air pollution for your AP exam. This guide is designed to be super clear and help you feel confident. We'll cover the key concepts, make connections, and hit the high-yield stuff. Let's get started!

#1. Introduction to Air Pollution

#Key Vocabulary

Primary Pollutants: Emitted directly from a source. Think of these as the 'first wave' of pollutants.
Secondary Pollutants: Formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere (often with sunlight or water). These are the 'second wave' and can be more harmful.
NOx: Nitrogen oxides (like NO and NO2).
SOx: Sulfur oxides (like SO2 and SO3).
COx: Carbon oxides (like CO and CO2).
Clean Air Act: US federal law regulating air emissions.
Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds made of hydrogen and carbon.
Particulates: Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

#Sources of Air Pollution

Key Concept

Burning of coal and fossil fuels is a major source of air pollution.

Coal Combustion: Releases CO2, SO2, mercury, lead, and particulates. 🏭
Fossil Fuel Combustion: Releases CO, NOx, SO2, hydrocarbons, and particulates. 🚗
Other Sources: Factories, volcanoes, and even campfires also contribute similar pollutants. 🔥

Memory Aid

Remember "Fossil Fuels = COx, NOx, SOx, Hydrocarbons, Particulates" to quickly recall the main pollutants from burning fossil fuels.

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#2. Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants

#Primary Pollutants

These...

#AP Environmental Science: Air Pollution Study Guide 💨

#1. Introduction to Air Pollution

#Key Vocabulary

Primary Pollutants: Emitted directly from a source. Think of these as the 'first wave' of pollutants.
Secondary Pollutants: Formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere (often with sunlight or water). These are the 'second wave' and can be more harmful.
NOx: Nitrogen oxides (like NO and NO2).
SOx: Sulfur oxides (like SO2 and SO3).
COx: Carbon oxides (like CO and CO2).
Clean Air Act: US federal law regulating air emissions.
Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds made of hydrogen and carbon.
Particulates: Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

#Sources of Air Pollution

Key Concept

Burning of coal and fossil fuels is a major source of air pollution.

Coal Combustion: Releases CO2, SO2, mercury, lead, and particulates. 🏭
Fossil Fuel Combustion: Releases CO, NOx, SO2, hydrocarbons, and particulates. 🚗
Other Sources: Factories, volcanoes, and even campfires also contribute similar pollutants. 🔥

Memory Aid

Remember "Fossil Fuels = COx, NOx, SOx, Hydrocarbons, Particulates" to quickly recall the main pollutants from burning fossil fuels.

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#2. Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants

#Primary Pollutants

These...

Which of the following best describes a primary air pollutant? 🤔

Formed from reactions in the atmosphere

Released directly from a source

Always more harmful than secondary pollutants

Only produced by natural sources

Which of the following best describes a primary air pollutant? 🤔

Formed from reactions in the atmosphere

Released directly from a source

Always more harmful than secondary pollutants

Only produced by natural sources

Introduction to Air Pollution

Kate Anderson

#AP Environmental Science: Air Pollution Study Guide 💨

#1. Introduction to Air Pollution

#Key Vocabulary

#Sources of Air Pollution

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#2. Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants

#Primary Pollutants

How are we doing?

Introduction to Air Pollution

Kate Anderson

#AP Environmental Science: Air Pollution Study Guide 💨

#1. Introduction to Air Pollution

#Key Vocabulary

#Sources of Air Pollution

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#2. Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants

#Primary Pollutants

How are we doing?