Chapter 7: The Atmosphere and Human Activities Flashcards
(50 cards)
Q: What percentage of the atmosphere is water vapor (H₂O)?
A: 0.2-4%
Q: How long does carbon dioxide (CO₂) typically stay in the atmosphere?
A: 200 years
Q: What is the primary importance of argon (Ar) in the atmosphere?
A: It creates an inert atmosphere that protects materials from reacting with other gases.
Q: What is the role of CFCs in ozone depletion?
A: They release chlorine when broken down by ultraviolet radiation, which destroys ozone molecules.
Q: What role does carbon dioxide (CO₂) play in the atmosphere?
A: It is used by plants in photosynthesis and acts as a greenhouse gas.
Q: What is the typical atmospheric lifespan of methane?
A: 12-17 years
Q: How long do CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) remain in the atmosphere?
A: 1000 years
Q: What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
A: Chemicals that easily enter the atmosphere as gases from evaporation, e.g., hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
Q: What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
A: The increased retention of heat in the atmosphere due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Q: What causes acid rain?
A: The burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that react with water vapor to form acids.
Q: What is temperature inversion?
A: A weather condition where the air temperature increases with altitude, disrupting convection currents and trapping pollutants.
Q: What is photochemical smog?
A: Smog caused by chemical reactions induced by sunlight on pollutants, forming substances like ground-level ozone.
Q: What is a key impact of acid rain on water sources?
A: It causes acidification, making groundwater undrinkable and harming aquatic life.
Q: What human activities increase carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere?
A: Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Q: How does methane contribute to the greenhouse effect?
A: It is released from cattle, rice production, and decomposing waste, contributing to global warming.
Q: How does ozone layer depletion affect humans?
A: It leads to higher ultraviolet radiation, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and sunburn.
Q: How does smog affect human health?
A: It can irritate eyes and throat, and lead to respiratory diseases like asthma.
Q: What is the effect of climate change on ice sheets and glaciers?
A: Melting of ice sheets and glaciers causes rising sea levels.
Q: What are some transport policies to reduce air pollution?
A: Creation of cycle lanes, electric cars, biofuels, and public transport improvements.
Q: How does ozone depletion impact marine ecosystems?
A: It limits the reproduction of phytoplankton, affecting the entire food web.
Q: What is reforestation?
A: Replanting trees in an area where they were previously cut down or removed.
Q: How can catalytic converters reduce vehicle emissions?
A: They reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and convert nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into less harmful substances.
Q: What is the main cause of photochemical smog?
A: Chemical reactions induced by sunlight on pollutants, leading to harmful substances like ground-level ozone.
Q: How can vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution?
A: They release nitrogen oxides and unburnt fuel vapors.
