Chapter 17 Atmosphere and the environment

Question 1

Composition of air

Answer 1

78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
Remaining noble gases (1% argon and 0.03% Carbon dioxide and other gases)

Question 2

Effect of Carbon Monoxide

Answer 2

Poisonous gas that binds with haemoglobin in blood and reduces its ability to transport oxygen around the body. This may lead to breathing difficulties and even death

Question 3

Source of carbon monoxide

Answer 3

Incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances

Question 4

Effect of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide

Answer 4

Health:
-causes breathing difficulties
-irritates eyes and lungs

Environment:
causes acid rain which
-corrode marble buildings and metal structures
-lowers pH of soil and water bodies, harming aquatic life and plants

Question 5

Source of oxides of nitrogen

Answer 5

-Internal combustion of engines
-Lightning activity

Question 6

Source of sulfur dioxide

Answer 6

-Volcano eruptions
-combustion of fossil fuels

Question 7

Effect of methane

Answer 7

greenhouse gas, which traps heat and cause global warming

Question 8

Source of methane

Answer 8

produce when plants and animals decay

Question 9

Source of unburnt hydrocarbons

Answer 9

released from vehicle exhaust

Question 10

Effect of ozone

Answer 10

forms photochemical smog, which irritates the eyes and lungs and causes breathing difficulties

Question 11

Source of ozone

Answer 11

formed when nitrogen dioxide in the air reacts with unburnt hydrocarbons in the presence of UV light