Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates - AP Environmental Science

Identify a method to measure atmospheric CO2 levels.

Infrared gas analyzers. Instruments that detect $CO_2$ absorption of infrared radiation.
What is the greenhouse effect?

Warming of Earth due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases. $CO_2$ and other gases trap heat that would escape to space.
Identify one impact of climate change due to CO2.

Rising sea levels. Thermal expansion and ice melt from warming increase ocean levels.
Which process removes CO2 from the atmosphere?

Photosynthesis. Plants convert $CO_2$ and water into glucose using sunlight.
What is the effect of CO2 on ocean chemistry?

Ocean acidification. Dissolved $CO_2$ forms carbonic acid, lowering ocean pH.
How do particulates affect climate?

By altering Earth's albedo. Reflective particles cool Earth; absorbing particles warm it.
Which gas is a precursor to secondary particulates?

Sulfur dioxide ( $SO_2$ ). Reacts with moisture and other chemicals to form sulfate particles.
Identify a natural source of atmospheric CO2.

Volcanic eruptions. Magma releases $CO_2$ when erupted, contributing to natural emissions.
Name a method to reduce atmospheric CO2.

Reforestation. Trees absorb $CO_2$ during photosynthesis, storing carbon in biomass.
Which human activity is a major source of CO2?

Deforestation. Clearing forests releases stored carbon and reduces $CO_2$ uptake.
Identify one effect of particulate pollution on visibility.

Haze formation. Particles scatter light, reducing visibility and creating smog.
What is the main anthropogenic source of particulates?

Combustion of fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases fine particles into the air.
Identify a gas that forms acid rain and particulates.

Nitrogen oxides ( $NO_x$ ). Reacts with water to form nitric acid and secondary particles.
What is black carbon?

Soot from incomplete combustion. Dark particles that absorb heat and contribute to warming.
Which process releases CO2 during decomposition?

Respiration. Cellular process that breaks down organic matter, releasing $CO_2$ .
What is a secondary particulate?

Particles formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Forms when gases like $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ react with other compounds.
What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?

Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.
What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?

$CO_2$ . One carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.
Which gas is a greenhouse gas besides CO2?

Methane ( $CH_4$ ). Potent greenhouse gas with higher warming potential than $CO_2$ .
What is the effect of particulates on human health?

Lung disease. Fine particles penetrate airways, causing asthma and heart disease.
What is the effect of increased CO2 on plant growth?

Enhanced growth. $CO_2$ fertilization effect increases photosynthesis rates.
Which international agreement aims to reduce CO2 emissions?

Paris Agreement. Global treaty to limit warming to well below 2°C.
Name one natural process that releases particulates.

Dust storms. Wind erosion lifts soil and sand particles into the atmosphere.
Define 'particulate matter'.

Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air. Also called aerosols, they scatter light and affect air quality.
Which law limits particulate emissions in the US?

Clean Air Act. Federal legislation regulating air pollutants including particulates.
What is the main source of black carbon?

Diesel engines. Heavy-duty vehicles produce most black carbon emissions.
How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?

Through photosynthesis and respiration. They absorb $CO_2$ during photosynthesis and release it during respiration.
What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?

Absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Ocean waters dissolve atmospheric $CO_2$ , acting as a carbon reservoir.
What role do forests play in the carbon cycle?

Carbon sinks. Natural reservoirs that absorb and store atmospheric carbon.
Which particulate size is most harmful to human health?

PM2.5. Smallest particles penetrate deepest into lungs and bloodstream.
What is the term for the measure of particulate concentration?

Air Quality Index (AQI). Scale that communicates daily air pollution levels to the public.
How do aerosols affect cloud formation?

Act as cloud condensation nuclei. Particles provide surfaces where water vapor condenses into droplets.
What type of radiation does CO2 absorb?

Infrared radiation. $CO_2$ molecules vibrate when struck by heat radiation.
Name a technological solution to reduce CO2 emissions.

Carbon capture and storage. Technology that captures and stores $CO_2$ before atmospheric release.
What is the term for CO2 uptake by oceans and forests?

Carbon sequestration. Long-term storage of atmospheric carbon in natural reservoirs.
What does PM2.5 refer to?

Particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micrometers. Fine particles that penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream.
What is one primary effect of increased atmospheric CO2?

Global warming. Enhanced greenhouse effect increases Earth's average temperature.

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