Effects of the environment on pollutants

Question 1

3 Effect on Degradation

Answer 1

-Higher temperatures increase rate of degradation as chemical reactions can occur more rapidly
-light can provide activation energy which drives chemical reactions of some pollutants such as photochemical smog’s
-Oxygen , oxidation of sulfide ores to sulfur dioxide

Question 2

2 Factors affecting dispersal

Answer 2

-velocity of wind and air currents affects how far a pollutant is dispersed
-Temperature inversions , warm pollutant gases at ground level are less dense so rise , disperse and become diluted

Question 3

4 factors that cause temperature inversions to form

Answer 3

-valleys so colder denser air can collect
-Low wind velocity so air at different temperatures dont mix
-cloudless skies so infrared energy can be radiated allowing the ground to cool down
-Mist/fog during the day so higher albedo more reflection meaning the ground heats up slower