All Flashcards
What is the primary cause of industrial smog?
Burning of fossil fuels, especially coal, in industrial processes.
What is the primary cause of photochemical smog?
Sunlight reacting with nitrogen oxides and VOCs.
Why is tropospheric ozone considered a pollutant?
It irritates the respiratory system and is a key component of photochemical smog.
What role do VOCs play in photochemical smog formation?
They react with NO, forming photochemical oxidants that disrupt ozone breakdown, leading to smog.
How does sunlight contribute to smog formation?
It provides the energy for nitrogen dioxide to break down and form ozone.
How do trees contribute to smog?
Trees emit VOCs, which can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog.
Why is photochemical smog more prevalent in urban areas?
Higher concentrations of vehicles and industrial activity lead to more and VOC emissions.
What is the difference between tropospheric and stratospheric ozone?
Tropospheric ozone is a pollutant in smog, while stratospheric ozone protects from UV radiation.
What are the main sources of ?
Vehicle emissions and industrial processes.
How does smog affect plant life?
It reduces crop yields and quality.
What is gray smog?
Industrial smog, mainly from sulfur dioxide.
What is sulfurous smog?
Another name for gray smog.
What is brown smog?
Photochemical smog, with nitrogen compounds giving it a brownish color.
What is photochemical smog?
Smog formed by sunlight reacting with pollutants.
What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds, released from vehicles, industrial processes, and even trees.
What is tropospheric ozone?
Ozone in the lower atmosphere; a key component of photochemical smog.
Define industrial smog.
Smog from industrial emissions, especially from burning coal.
Define photochemical oxidants.
Substances formed when VOCs react with NO, disrupting ozone breakdown.
What are ?
Nitrogen oxides, key pollutants in photochemical smog.
What is ?
Sulfur dioxide, the main pollutant in industrial smog.
What are the health effects of photochemical smog?
Respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing) and cardiovascular issues (increased risk of heart attacks).
What are the health effects of industrial smog?
Similar respiratory and cardiovascular problems as photochemical smog.
What is the effect of photochemical smog on plants?
Reduces crop yields and quality.
What is the effect of sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial smog?
Can cause acid rain.
What is the impact of VOCs on ozone levels?
VOCs disrupt the breakdown of ozone, leading to higher ozone levels.
What is the effect of increased traffic on smog formation?
Increased traffic leads to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and VOCs, increasing smog formation.
What is the effect of warm, sunny days on smog formation?
Warm, sunny days provide the energy for photochemical reactions, increasing smog formation.
What is the effect of particulate matter on human health?
Irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
What is the effect of ozone on human health?
Irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Can worsen asthma.
What is the effect of industrial smog on ecosystems?
Similar respiratory and cardiovascular problems as photochemical smog and can cause acid rain due to sulfur dioxide emissions.