Maintaining Air Quality

Question 1

What is the composition of air

Answer 1

Nitrogen: 78%
Oxygen: 21%
Noble gases: 0.96% (mostly argon)
carbon dioxide: 0.04%

Question 2

Name all 6 air pollutants

Answer 2

Carbon monoxide (CO)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Oxides of nitogen (NO, NO2)
Methane
Unburnt hydrocarbons
Ozone

Question 3

what is the source and effect of carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer 3

Source: incomplete combustion of petrol in car engines due to insufficient oxygen

Effects: Reduces ability of haemoglobin to transport oxygen to the rest of the body

Question 4

what is the source and effect of sulfer dioxide (SO2)

Answer 4

Sources: Combustion of fossil fuels with sulfer present as an impurity and produced from volcanic eruptions (natural source)

Effects: Irritates eyes and lungs, causes breathing difficulties, reacts with water in atmosphere to form acid rain (corrotes stone buildings and harms aquatic life)

Question 5

what is the source and effect of oxides of nitrogen (NO, NO2)

Answer 5

Sources: Nitrogen and oxygen in air reacts in internal combustion of engines of cars due to high temperatures, produced from lightning activity (natural source)

Effects: Irritates eyes and lungs, causes breathing difficulties, reacts with water in the atmosphere to form acid rain (corrotes stone buildings and harms aquatic life)

Question 6

what is the source and effect of methane

Answer 6

Sources: Bacterial decay of dead vegetation and animal matter

Effects: Is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming

Question 7

What is the formation of acid rain

Answer 7

Sulfur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid

Nitrogen dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form nitric oxide

Question 8

What is the effects of acid rain

Answer 8

Reacts with metals and carbonates, damaging metal bridges and stine buildings

Reduces pH value of lakes and rivers, becoming too acidic for aquatic life to survive

Leaches nutrients from soil, causing plants to wither and die

Question 9

What are the processes that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Answer 9

Respiration: Oxygen and glucose is converted to Carbon dioxide and water

Combustion of fuels: carbon dioxide and water is producted from complete combustion

Decay and bacterial decomposition: bacteria breaks down carbon compounds, producing carbon dioxide

Question 10

What are the processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Answer 10

Photosynthesis: Carbon dioxide and water is converted into Oxygen and glucose

Ocean uptake: ocean serves as a massive sink that traps carbon dioxide

Question 11

What are the cause and effects of Global Warming

Answer 11

Cause: Build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (carbon dioxide and methane)

Effects:
-Ocean warming and acidification (coral reef bleaching, reducing marine biodiversity)
-Heatwaves (causes wildfires)
-Change in rainfall patterns (fertile land becomes barren, leading to food shortages)
-Tropical storms (destructive typoons, hurricanes and cyclones become more common)