Term
| What are the main air pollutants? |
|
Definition
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Oxides of nitrogen
Oxides of sulfur
Particulates
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
|
|
Term
| Main sources of carbon monoxide |
|
Definition
Incomplete oxidation of methane (CH4 + 1.5O2 --> CO + 2H2O)
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (C8H18 + 8.5O2 --> 8CO + 9H2O) |
|
|
Term
| Main sources of oxides of nitrogen |
|
Definition
electrical storms;
biological processes.
high temperatures inside internal combustion engines (N2 + O2 --> 2NO) |
|
|
Term
| Main sources of oxides of sulfur |
|
Definition
oxidation of H2S produced by volcanoes;
decay of organic matter;
SO2 can be oxidized in air to form SO3.
combustion of sulfur-containing coal;
smelting of sulfide ores
(S + O2 --> SO2) |
|
|
Term
| Main sources of particulates |
|
Definition
soot;
ash;
dust;
abestos;
sand;
smoke;
pollen;
bacterial and fungal spores.
burning of fossil fuels (mainly coal and diesel). |
|
|
Term
| Main sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
|
Definition
plants (ex. rice)
--> emit unsaturated hydrocarbons called terpenes.
unburned/partially burned gasoline;
other fuels/solvents. |
|
|
Term
| Methods of air pollution reduction. |
|
Definition
Thermal exhaust reactor
Lean burn engines
Catalytic converter
Sulfur dioxide
Electrostatic precipitation |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Exhaust from car engine and its heat reacts with air
carbon monoxide --> carbon dioxide
unburned hydrocarbons combust
2CO(g) + O2(g) --> 2CO2(g) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Adjust carburettor to alter air:fuel ratio.
Higher ratio, less CO emitted.
--> more heat, more NOx produced. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Hot exhaust gas pass through platinum, rhodium, or palladium.
--> oxidize CO
--> oxidize VOCs
--> catalyze reaction between CO and NO
2CO(g) + 2NO(g) --> 2CO2(g) + N2(g) |
|
|
Term
| What is acid deposition; outline its origins. |
|
Definition
Process where acidic particles, gases, and precipitation leave the atmosphere.
Acid rain = less than pH 5.6
Rainwater is already acidic with dissolved CO2. |
|
|
