Understanding Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Chemistry Fundamentals
Air Pollution and Climate Change
Understanding the Basics
1. Lewis Dot Structure for SO3
(Insert image of Lewis Dot Structure for SO3 here)
2. Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation is energy in waves that travel at light speed.
3. Ozone Protection
Ozone protects us from ultraviolet radiation.
4. CFCs and Their Uses
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) were used as refrigerants in air conditioners and propellants in spray cans. (Insert image of CFC structure here)
5. The Ozone Hole
The “hole” in the ozone layer is caused by CFCs and the free radicals they form. Deforestation also contributes by reducing the rate of ozone replenishment.
Controlled Experiments and Chemical Concepts
1. Controlled Experiments
A controlled experiment is one where only one variable is tested at a time.
2. Mixtures vs. Compounds
A compound is a pure substance, unlike a mixture.
3. Balancing Chemical Equations
2 S + 3 O2 → 2 SO3
4. Major Air Pollutants
Major air pollutants include VOCs, CO, particulates, ozone, SO2, and NOx.
5. ppb vs. ppm
ppm is bigger than ppb.
True/False Statements
1. Hypothesis Testing
A hypothesis has been thoroughly tested. False
2. Controlled Experiments
In a controlled experiment, we test one variable at a time. True
3. Atoms and Ions
An atom and an ion from that atom have nearly identical properties. False
4. States of Matter
In a solid, the particles vibrate only and interact strongly. True
5. Mixtures and Properties
In a mixture, the substances retain their own properties. True
Elements and Combustion Products
1. Identifying Elements
The elements are: iron and zinc.
2. Nonmetals
The nonmetals are: C and N.
3. Products of Complete Combustion
The products of complete combustion of a hydrocarbon are: CO2 and H2O.
Atomic Structure and Air Pollutants
1. Atomic Differences
- Different number of protons: Different element
- Different number of neutrons: Isotopes
- Different number of electrons: Ions
2. Pollutants from Fossil Fuels
Pollutants produced from burning fossil fuels include: CO and SO2.
3. Covalent Bonds
A covalent bond involves electron sharing.
4. Air Composition
The most abundant component of air is nitrogen.
5. Particulates
Particulates are small bits of solids suspended in air.
6. Wavelength and Energy
The highest energy wavelength is 410 nm.
7. UV Radiation Energy
UVC has the highest energy.
8. Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases include: CO2, H2O, and CH4.
9. Ozone Depletion
Contributors to ozone depletion include CFCs and deforestation.
10. Addressing Global Warming
The best way to fix global warming is to cut carbon emissions and let the planet fix itself.
11. Consequences of Global Warming
Increased sunburn is NOT a consequence of global warming.
12. Normal Air Components
Carbon monoxide is NOT a normal component of air.
13. Lewis Dot Structures
(Insert images of Lewis Dot Structures for CO2, H2O, O3, CH4, and N2 here)
Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming
1. Greenhouse Gases and Examples
A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range. Examples include: Carbon dioxide, Methane, and Water vapor.
2. Electromagnetic Radiation and Global Warming
Infrared radiation is most responsible for global warming.
3. Greenhouse Gas Absorption
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation, causing bending and vibrations within the molecules.
4. Particulates and Global Warming
Particulates act as aerosols, affecting global warming.
5. Aerosols and Examples
An aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Examples include dust, haze, and smoke.
6. CO2 Increase in the Atmosphere
The amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere have increased over the last 100 years due to natural sources and human activities.
7. Earth’s Temperature Change
Earth’s temperature has fluctuated over time due to variations in Earth’s orbit and solar energy received.
8. Determining Past Temperatures
We can determine past temperatures through various methods, including studying ice cores and geological records.
9. Climate Changes and Their Link to Temperature and CO2
Observed climate changes, such as rising sea levels and melting glaciers, are linked to changes in Earth’s temperature and elevated CO2 levels.
10. Resistance to CO2 Emission Cuts
Resistance to CO2 emission cuts often stems from economic concerns and political ideologies.
Scientific Concepts and Definitions
1. Observation
Observation is the act or instance of noticing or perceiving.
2. Controlled Experiment
A controlled experiment is one in which everything is held constant except for one variable.
3. Law of Conservation of Matter
The Law of Conservation of Matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
4. Matter
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
5. States of Matter
- Solids: Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place.
- Liquids: Particles are close together and can move around.
- Gases: Particles are far apart and move freely.
6. Shape of Solids and Liquids
Solids have a definite shape because their particles are tightly packed, while liquids do not because their particles can move around.
7. Heterogeneous vs. Homogeneous Mixtures
A heterogeneous mixture has visibly different components, while a homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition.
8. Mixture vs. Compound
A mixture is a combination of substances that retain their individual properties, while a compound is a new substance formed by chemically combining elements.
9. Atomic Structure
(Insert table with the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for 35Cl, 55Fe, 139La3+, and 79Br– here)
10. Major Air Pollutants and Their Sources
(Insert table listing 8 major air pollutants and their sources here)
11. Major Air Pollutants in San Diego County
Two major air pollutants in San Diego County are smog and ozone.
12. Chemical Formulas and Atom Counts
(Insert table with the names of the atoms and the number of each for SO2, C8H18, and Ca3(PO4)2 here)
13. Balancing Chemical Equations
a. N2 + O2 → 2NO2
b. C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O