Chapter 20 Environmental Science Quiz

Earth's atmosphere is primarily made up of nitrogen and oxygen, with smaller amounts of argon and carbon dioxide.

The atmosphere does not directly cleanse water sources, generate electricity, or provide habitat for species. Its main ecosystem services include blocking UV radiation, moderating climate, and redistributing water through the hydrologic cycle.

Primary pollutants are directly emitted into the atmosphere, while secondary pollutants are formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Secondary air pollutants are formed through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants and other atmospheric compounds, leading to the creation of new harmful substances.

Primary pollutants are directly emitted into the atmosphere, and once in the air, they can undergo chemical reactions to form secondary pollutants. These secondary pollutants can be more toxic than the original primary pollutants.

The major air pollutants are substances emitted into the atmosphere that can cause harm to humans, animals, and plants.

Particulate matter (PM) refers to solid and liquid particles that are suspended in the air with thousands of different compositions and sizes. These particles can include soil particles, soot, lead, asbestos, sea salt, sulfuric acid droplets, and other harmful substances that can cause adverse health effects when inhaled. It is important to note that particulate matter can enter deep into the lungs and may contain toxic substances.

NOx is a compound formed by the combination of nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere and is known for its harmful effects on the environment and human health.

SOx refers to sulfur oxides, primarily sulfur dioxide (SO2), produced by the chemical interaction between sulfur and oxygen. When released into the atmosphere, these compounds can lead to acid precipitation, posing risks to both the environment and human health.

The oxides of Carbon refer to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which are significant greenhouse gases released through various processes.

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are a major component of fossil fuels and are known to contribute to environmental issues such as photochemical smog and greenhouse gases.

Ozone is found in both the troposphere (where it acts as a pollutant) and the stratosphere (where it forms the ozone layer).

Tropospheric ozone is primarily formed as a result of human activities and is considered a harmful pollutant in the lower atmosphere. It is different from the ozone found in the stratosphere and has negative impacts on air quality and human health.

Stratospheric ozone is crucial for absorbing and filtering out harmful UV radiation in the upper atmosphere. However, human-made pollutants have been causing ozone depletion, leading to serious environmental consequences.

Ozone damage refers to the harmful effects of ozone, a reactive gas that can cause oxidation of organic matter and chemical burns. It is not a harmless gas, nor does it refer to ozone layer depletion or pollution effects on air quality.

The correct answer highlights the decreasing trend in peak ground ozone levels in some areas due to specific reasons, emphasizing that it is still a health concern. The incorrect answers provide alternative statements, but the correct answer reflects the current situation regarding ozone levels.

Outdoor air pollution is primarily caused by transportation emissions, industrial activities, and accidental fires. Indoor smoking, agricultural activities, and weather conditions can contribute to air pollution but are not the main sources.

Air pollution can have harmful effects on the respiratory system and overall health, especially in children who are more susceptible to its negative impacts.

Controlling air pollution requires implementing engineered approaches like bag house filters and electrostatic precipitators, rather than contributing to pollution with more fossil fuels, burning plastic waste openly, or neglecting vehicle emissions.

A baghouse is actually an air filter used in industrial applications to clean air by capturing particulates in bags or fabric cartridges.

An electrostatic precipitator works by applying an electric charge to exhaust gas to remove particles, not to increase temperature, reduce volume, or cool down the gas.

Scrubbers in this context refer to water mist used in industrial settings to filter particulate matter and can also cause acid gas condensation.

The Clean Air Act is a piece of legislation passed by the U.S. government to address and regulate air pollution specifically within the United States.

The correct answer focuses on reducing pollutants in gasoline and diesel as well as enforcing strict emissions standards, while the incorrect answers suggest the opposite actions which would further contribute to air pollution.

Stratospheric ozone depletion refers to the thinning of ozone layer in the stratosphere, specifically the ozone hole over Antarctica caused by human-made hydrocarbons like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This phenomenon is not natural, does not lead to increased ozone levels, and is distinct from ozone depletion in the lower atmosphere due to greenhouse gases.

The correct answer factors in the key conditions necessary for the formation of an o3 hole in the atmosphere.

The Montreal Protocol played a significant role in reducing the production and consumption of substances that deplete the O3 layer, leading to its recovery as shown by satellite pictures. The other options do not accurately reflect the factors contributing to the O3 layer recovery.