Atmospheric Pollutants Questions And Answers printable pdf download

Atmospheric Pollutants Questions And Answers

Chapter 2 - Atmospheric Pollutants

Questions & Answers

Describe sources of natural air pollution and their air quality significance.

Natural sources are emissions from biological, geological, and other

processes. These include biological decomposition, volatilization of volatile

chemicals by plants, volcanoes, forest fires, sea spray, lightning, mold, and

pollen.

How does ambient air pollution differ from other forms of air pollution?

Ambient air is the free-flowing air outdoors. All individuals are exposed

involuntarily and concentrations are generally lower than air in workplace

environments.

What are the unique characteristics of Los Angeles-type smog?

Los Angeles-type smog is a photochemical smog produced by chemical

reactions involving sunlight, NO

, and hydrocarbons. It is brownish in color.

How are smog and haze related?

In both smog and haze, visibility is reduced by light-scattering particles.

Visibility is reduced to a greater degree in smog because particle

concentrations are higher and/or are more effective in scattering light.

What are the sources of primary and secondary pollutants?

Primary pollutants are emitted directly from a source. Secondary pollutants

are produced as a result of chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Describe the significance of primary and secondary pollutants in the context of air

pollution control.

Primary pollutants can be controlled directly at the source. Secondary

pollutants must be controlled by controlling emissions of pollutants that

serve as precursors.

Transportation is currently the major source of which of the primary pollutants.

Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and NO

Describe the relative success of regulatory programs in reducing emissions of CO,

, sulfur oxides, and lead over the past three decades in the U.S.

Total emission of Pb have been reduced ~98%; SO

, ~65%; CO, ~30%; and

for NO

, there has been a slight increase.

Atmospheric Pollutants Questions And Answers