Smog
What is the definition of smog?
Smog is a mixture of air pollutants that form when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight.
What does Charles' Law state about volume and temperature?
Charles' Law states that when pressure is constant, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature (V ∝ T).
What industrial activity is a major contributor to sulfur oxides?
The burning of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels, primarily coal.
Name a health issue caused by smog exposure
Asthma
Lung Cancer
Cardiovascular diseases
What technology can be implemented in industrial buildings to reduce emissions?
Catalytic converters.
Name two primary components that contribute to photochemical smog
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
According to Boyle’s Law, how are pressure and volume related at constant temperature?
Boyle’s Law states that when temperature is constant, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional (P ∝ 1/V).
How does vehicle pollution contribute to smog?
Vehicle emissions release NOx and VOCs, which contribute to the formation of photochemical smog.
How does smog affect tourism in major cities?
Poor air quality can deter tourists, negatively impacting the local economy.
How effective have government initiatives been in reducing SO2 and NO2 concentrations?
Concentrations of SO2 and NO2 dropped by 93% and 38% from 1998 to 2013.
What are the two main types of smog discussed in the presentation?
Photochemical smog and sulfurous smog.
What is Dalton’s Partial Pressure Law
Dalton’s Partial Pressure Law states that the total pressure in a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each gas.
What geographical factors exacerbate smog issues in China?
Many Chinese cities are located in basins or surrounded by mountains, which can trap pollutants.
What is one economic impact of increased healthcare costs due to smog?
Sick individuals require more medical care, increasing healthcare costs for both individuals and the health system.
What is a catalytic converter and how does it work?
A catalytic converter is a device that uses catalysts to convert harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful emissions.
What role does sunlight play in smog formation
Sunlight catalyzes the chemical reactions between NOx and VOCs, leading to the formation of smog.
How does the Kinetic Molecular Theory explain gas behavior?
The Kinetic Molecular Theory states that molecules in a gaseous state are always in motion, and this behavior is affected by temperature, pressure, and volume.
What agricultural practice can increase smog formation?
The burning of agricultural waste can produce smoke and pollutants that contribute to smog.
How does smog contribute to climate change?
The pollutants in smog can contribute to global warming and other environmental issues.
What percentage of carbon monoxide emissions can catalytic converters reduce?
Catalytic converters can reduce up to 99% of carbon monoxide emissions.
How is sulfurous smog primarily formed?
Sulfurous smog is created by the burning of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels, primarily coal.
What happens to gas behavior under temperature inversion conditions?
During a temperature inversion, warm air traps cooler air below it, preventing the dispersal of pollutants and leading to increased smog concentrations.
How does energy production from fossil fuels affect air quality?
Reliance on outdated fossil fuel technology leads to high emissions of NOx and other pollutants, worsening air quality.
What are the visibility effects caused by high smog levels?
Smog significantly reduces visibility, which can lead to increased accidents and dangerous driving conditions.
What suggestions were made for further reducing PM 2.5 levels in China?
Investment in catalytic converters and other technologies to reduce harmful substances in the air.