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Physical Science > Environmental Chemistry > Flashcards

Environmental Chemistry Flashcards

1
Q

Distinguish between physical and chemical changes

A 
Physical change:
- No new substance
- Can be reversed
- No energy given out or taken in
Chemical change:
- Opposite of the above named thingymagingies
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2
Q

Name three types of chemical reactions, and describe each one shortly

A
  1. Synthesis reaction - two or more substances join to form a new one
  2. Combustion - reaction with oxygen
  3. Decomposition - when a substance is broken down into two or more products
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3
Q

Name five properties of acids

A
  • Sour taste
  • Turns litmus paper red
  • pH less than 7
  • Include non-metal oxides
  • Contain hydrogen
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4
Q

Name four properties of bases

A
  • Soapy feel
  • Bitter taste
  • pH more than 7
  • Include metal oxides & hydroxides
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5
Q

Distinguish between a strong and a weak acid

A

A strong acid will dissociate completely in water, whereas a weak acid will only dissociate partially

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6
Q

Describe neutralisation

A

The reaction of an acid and a base in order to neutralise the acid. Neutralisation is used to prepare salts

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7
Q

Describe the preparation and test for oxygen

A

Preparation: Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
Test: Will relight a glowing splint

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8
Q

Describe the preparation and test for carbon dioxide

A

Preparation: Reacting calcium carbonate and HCl
Test: Will turn clear limewater milky

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9
Q

Describe the preparation and test for hydrogen

A

Preparation: Reacting a metal and an acid
Test: Match will make popping sound

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10
Q

Describe fractional distillation of air

A

Fractional distillation of air involves cooling and compressing air to -200 degrees. Solid carbon dioxide is removed as “dry ice” at -80 degrees. The air is then slowly heated and different gases are collected at different temperatures.

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11
Q

Describe the industrial process used to convert nitrogen to ammonia and nitrates

A

The Haber process is used. This involves reacting nitrogen (fractional distillation) and hydrogen (natural gas) under high pressure and temperature (400-450 degrees) and cooling the ammonia. Unused nitrogen and hydrogen is recycled and the process starts over. The mixture in the main reaction tank contains about 10% ammonia. Ammonia is used to make nitric acid, which is converted to nitrate salts, and then used in fertilisers.

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12
Q

Name five uses of oxygen

A
  • Production of steel
  • Welding
  • Hospitals
  • Mountain climbers
  • Deep sea divers
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13
Q

Name four uses of carbon dioxide

A
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Refrigiration
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Baking
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14
Q

Name two uses of nitrogen

A
  • Fertilisers

- Refrigirant

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15
Q

Define air pollution

A
  • The formation of harmful particles in the air
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16
Q

Name five sources of air pollution

A
  • Burning of forests
  • Marine vessels burning fuels
  • Oil refinering
  • Coal power plants
  • Road vehicle emission gases
17
Q

Name two pollutant gases originating from car exhaust systems

A
  • Sulphur dioxide

- Nitrogen oxide

18
Q

Name the product of incomplete combustion, and state why it is harmful to humans

A

Carbon monoxide

Breathing in carbon monoxide can lead to unconciousness and eventually death

19
Q

Describe the formation of acid rain

A

Sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides produced by industrial activities and the emission systems of cars rises into the air and dissolves into water droplets, which leads to acid rain

20
Q

Name two effects of acid rain on the environment

A
  • Damages limestone buildings and statues by dissolving the limestone
  • Damages the waxy cuticles on leaves
21
Q

Describe the working of a catalytic converter

A

Catalytic converters prevent air pollution by converting nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen

22
Q

Name four solid particle pollutants

A
  • Smoke
  • Ash
  • Mineral dust from soil
  • Mica dust
23
Q

Name one effect of mica dust on the human body

A

Mica dust causes a lung disease called pneumoconiosis

24
Q

Describe a chemical test to determine the presence of water

A

White anhydrous copper (II) sulphate will turn blue in the presence of water, and blue cobalt (III) chloride will turn pink

25
Q

Describe a physical test for water

A

Water can be physically tested for by using the boiling point and density of water. If a substance boils at 100 degrees or if the density of the substance is 1g/cm3, the chance of it being water is very high

26
Q

Explain why ice floats on water

A

The density of ice is 0,9 g/cm3, whereas the density of water is 1 g/cm3, therefore ice will foat on water

27
Q

Describe the importance of the expansion of water between 4 and 0 degrees, referring to the survival marine animals and plants

A

Due to this unusual phenomenon, ice always forms on the surface of lakes and dams. The water at the bottom is the warmest, making it possible for marine animals and plants to survive during the winter

28
Q

Distinguish between soft and hard water

A

Soft water lathers easily, whereas hard water does not lather easily and forms scum

29
Q

Describe scum (The answer “My friends” is not acceptable)

A

The product of soap and calcuim and magnesium salts in water

30
Q

Name the substances causing temporary hard water

A

Calcium and/or magnesium hydrogen carbonate

31
Q

Name the substances which cause permanent hard water

A

Calcuim and/or magnesium carbonate

32
Q

Describe how temporary hard water can be softened, and name the substance which forms on the side of the apparatus used

A

Temporary hard water can be softened by boiling, and scale forms at the side of the kettle

33
Q

Describe how scale can be removed from the inside of a kettle

A

Scale can be removed by the reaction with a weak or dilute acid, like vinegar

Physical Science (7 decks)

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