AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Atmospheric Co2 And Particulates

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Atmospheric Co2 And Particulates, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Name one natural process that releases particulates.

Answer: Dust storms. Wind erosion lifts soil and sand particles into the atmosphere.

Flashcard 2: What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?

Answer: Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Flashcard 3: What is the effect of CO2 on ocean chemistry?

Answer: Ocean acidification. Dissolved $CO_2$ forms carbonic acid, lowering ocean pH.

Flashcard 4: What is the effect of increased CO2 on plant growth?

Answer: Enhanced growth. $CO_2$ fertilization effect increases photosynthesis rates.

Flashcard 5: What is the effect of particulates on human health?

Answer: Lung disease. Fine particles penetrate airways, causing asthma and heart disease.

Flashcard 6: What type of radiation does CO2 absorb?

Answer: Infrared radiation. $CO_2$ molecules vibrate when struck by heat radiation.

Flashcard 7: What is the term for CO2 uptake by oceans and forests?

Answer: Carbon sequestration. Long-term storage of atmospheric carbon in natural reservoirs.

Flashcard 8: How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?

Answer: Through photosynthesis and respiration. They absorb $CO_2$ during photosynthesis and release it during respiration.

Flashcard 9: Which particulate size is most harmful to human health?

Answer: PM2.5. Smallest particles penetrate deepest into lungs and bloodstream.

Flashcard 10: Which human activity is a major source of CO2?

Answer: Deforestation. Clearing forests releases stored carbon and reduces $CO_2$ uptake.

Flashcard 11: Name a technological solution to reduce CO2 emissions.

Answer: Carbon capture and storage. Technology that captures and stores $CO_2$ before atmospheric release.

Flashcard 12: What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?

Answer: $CO_2$. One carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.

Flashcard 13: Identify a natural source of atmospheric CO2.

Answer: Volcanic eruptions. Magma releases $CO_2$ when erupted, contributing to natural emissions.

Flashcard 14: Identify one effect of particulate pollution on visibility.

Answer: Haze formation. Particles scatter light, reducing visibility and creating smog.

Flashcard 15: Define 'particulate matter'.

Answer: Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air. Also called aerosols, they scatter light and affect air quality.

Flashcard 16: What is the main anthropogenic source of particulates?

Answer: Combustion of fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases fine particles into the air.

Flashcard 17: What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?

Answer: Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Flashcard 18: Which process removes CO2 from the atmosphere?

Answer: Photosynthesis. Plants convert $CO_2$ and water into glucose using sunlight.

Flashcard 19: What role do forests play in the carbon cycle?

Answer: Carbon sinks. Natural reservoirs that absorb and store atmospheric carbon.

Flashcard 20: What is one primary effect of increased atmospheric CO2?

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

Flashcard 21: What is a secondary particulate?

Answer: Particles formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Forms when gases like $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ react with other compounds.

Flashcard 22: What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?

Answer: Absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Ocean waters dissolve atmospheric $CO_2$, acting as a carbon reservoir.

Flashcard 23: Which process releases CO2 during decomposition?

Answer: Respiration. Cellular process that breaks down organic matter, releasing $CO_2$.

Flashcard 24: What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer: Warming of Earth due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases. $CO_2$ and other gases trap heat that would escape to space.

Flashcard 25: Which law limits particulate emissions in the US?

Answer: Clean Air Act. Federal legislation regulating air pollutants including particulates.

Flashcard 26: Which gas is a precursor to secondary particulates?

Answer: Sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$). Reacts with moisture and other chemicals to form sulfate particles.

Flashcard 27: What is the main source of black carbon?

Answer: Diesel engines. Heavy-duty vehicles produce most black carbon emissions.

Flashcard 28: Which gas is a greenhouse gas besides CO2?

Answer: Methane ($CH_4$). Potent greenhouse gas with higher warming potential than $CO_2$.

Flashcard 29: Identify one impact of climate change due to CO2.

Answer: Rising sea levels. Thermal expansion and ice melt from warming increase ocean levels.

Flashcard 30: How do particulates affect climate?

Answer: By altering Earth's albedo. Reflective particles cool Earth; absorbing particles warm it.