Science And Nature- Air Quality Quiz!

Explanation
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a measurement used to determine the quality of the air in a specific location. The index takes into account various pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and provides a numerical value to indicate the overall air quality. The higher the AQI value, the poorer the air quality, and the greater the potential health risks. The AQI is used by government agencies, researchers, and the public to monitor and assess air pollution levels, and to make informed decisions regarding outdoor activities and health precautions.

Explanation
The statement suggests that the number of miles driven in North Carolina has been increasing at a faster rate compared to the population growth since 1990. This indicates that people in North Carolina are driving more miles per person over time. Therefore, the answer is true.

Explanation
Power plants are known to be a major source of air pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas to generate electricity. These combustion processes release significant amounts of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. On the other hand, while farms and chicken processing plants may contribute to air pollution through activities like the use of pesticides or the release of ammonia from animal waste, their overall impact is generally lower compared to power plants. Hence, power plants cause more air pollution than farms or chicken processing plants.

Explanation
Fossil fuels are natural resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have undergone heat and pressure over millions of years. Coal, oil, and petroleum are all examples of fossil fuels. Coal is a solid fuel formed from the remains of plants, while oil and petroleum are liquid fuels formed from the remains of marine organisms. Therefore, all of the above options are examples of fossil fuels.

Explanation
Coal contains small amounts of mercury.

Explanation
The respiratory system involves the natural functions of breathing, heart beating, blood flow, and brain function. These functions are all interconnected and essential for maintaining the body's overall health and well-being. Breathing allows for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, while the heart beating ensures the circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body. Blood flow carries nutrients and oxygen to various organs and tissues, including the brain, which is responsible for controlling and coordinating bodily functions. Therefore, all these functions are part of the respiratory system.

Explanation
BAD ozone refers to ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health and the environment. It is formed through chemical reactions between pollutants emitted by vehicles, industrial plants, and other sources. The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface, extending up to about 10-15 kilometers. It is where weather occurs and where the majority of air pollution, including BAD ozone, is found. Therefore, the correct answer is troposphere.

Explanation
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, while PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. The smaller size of PM2.5 allows it to penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, reaching the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. This makes PM2.5 more harmful to human health compared to PM10, which tends to get trapped in the upper respiratory tract and is less likely to cause serious health effects. Therefore, PM2.5 is considered more harmful than PM10.