Lecture 6 Flashcards
reduction is the process that occurs when…
- compound loses oxygen - compound gains hydrogen - element gains electrons.
define anthrosphere;
can be referred to as the sum of human acitvites and processes.
define redox reaction:
one or more elements change oxidation number
oxidizing agent:
is reactant molecule that causes oxidation. - contains element reduced
difference between contaminant and pollutant:
The Contaminant is the substance that was introduced by man into the environment by any means while the pollutant may be induced by man or may be present in the natural environment. The Contaminant is a term mostly used to the sources of pollution that are caused due to substances that have been made by human beings.
define geopshere
inorganix component of the environment
How can water dissolve polar and non-polar compounds?
water has a di-fold positive on one end and negative on the other.
what is the effects and significance of water… Max density as a liquid at 4 degrees C
ice floats; vertical circulation in bodies of water
define biosphere:
consists of all life forms and the components necessary for their formation.
what is the effects and significance of water… Higher heat of latent fusion than any other liquid except ammonia
Temperature stablizied at freezing point of water
reducing agent:
is reactant molecule that causes reduction - contains the element oxidized
what is the effects and significance of water… Transpot to visible and longer wavelenfth fraction of UV light
Colourless so that light required for photosynthesis reaches considerable depths in bodies of water
what does the atmosphere do?
moderate temperatue, absorobs energy
define hydrosphere:
represented by fresh water and oceans.
define xenobitoic compound:
matter not normally part of an organisms environment.