Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates - AP Environmental Science
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Name one natural process that releases particulates.
Name one natural process that releases particulates.
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Dust storms. Wind erosion lifts soil and sand particles into the atmosphere.
Dust storms. Wind erosion lifts soil and sand particles into the atmosphere.
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What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?
What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?
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Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.
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What is the effect of CO2 on ocean chemistry?
What is the effect of CO2 on ocean chemistry?
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Ocean acidification. Dissolved $CO_2$ forms carbonic acid, lowering ocean pH.
Ocean acidification. Dissolved $CO_2$ forms carbonic acid, lowering ocean pH.
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What is the effect of increased CO2 on plant growth?
What is the effect of increased CO2 on plant growth?
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Enhanced growth. $CO_2$ fertilization effect increases photosynthesis rates.
Enhanced growth. $CO_2$ fertilization effect increases photosynthesis rates.
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What is the effect of particulates on human health?
What is the effect of particulates on human health?
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Lung disease. Fine particles penetrate airways, causing asthma and heart disease.
Lung disease. Fine particles penetrate airways, causing asthma and heart disease.
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What type of radiation does CO2 absorb?
What type of radiation does CO2 absorb?
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Infrared radiation. $CO_2$ molecules vibrate when struck by heat radiation.
Infrared radiation. $CO_2$ molecules vibrate when struck by heat radiation.
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What is the term for CO2 uptake by oceans and forests?
What is the term for CO2 uptake by oceans and forests?
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Carbon sequestration. Long-term storage of atmospheric carbon in natural reservoirs.
Carbon sequestration. Long-term storage of atmospheric carbon in natural reservoirs.
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How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?
How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?
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Through photosynthesis and respiration. They absorb $CO_2$ during photosynthesis and release it during respiration.
Through photosynthesis and respiration. They absorb $CO_2$ during photosynthesis and release it during respiration.
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Which particulate size is most harmful to human health?
Which particulate size is most harmful to human health?
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PM2.5. Smallest particles penetrate deepest into lungs and bloodstream.
PM2.5. Smallest particles penetrate deepest into lungs and bloodstream.
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Which human activity is a major source of CO2?
Which human activity is a major source of CO2?
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Deforestation. Clearing forests releases stored carbon and reduces $CO_2$ uptake.
Deforestation. Clearing forests releases stored carbon and reduces $CO_2$ uptake.
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Name a technological solution to reduce CO2 emissions.
Name a technological solution to reduce CO2 emissions.
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Carbon capture and storage. Technology that captures and stores $CO_2$ before atmospheric release.
Carbon capture and storage. Technology that captures and stores $CO_2$ before atmospheric release.
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What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?
What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?
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$CO_2$. One carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.
$CO_2$. One carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.
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Identify a natural source of atmospheric CO2.
Identify a natural source of atmospheric CO2.
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Volcanic eruptions. Magma releases $CO_2$ when erupted, contributing to natural emissions.
Volcanic eruptions. Magma releases $CO_2$ when erupted, contributing to natural emissions.
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Identify one effect of particulate pollution on visibility.
Identify one effect of particulate pollution on visibility.
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Haze formation. Particles scatter light, reducing visibility and creating smog.
Haze formation. Particles scatter light, reducing visibility and creating smog.
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Define 'particulate matter'.
Define 'particulate matter'.
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Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air. Also called aerosols, they scatter light and affect air quality.
Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air. Also called aerosols, they scatter light and affect air quality.
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What is the main anthropogenic source of particulates?
What is the main anthropogenic source of particulates?
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Combustion of fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases fine particles into the air.
Combustion of fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases fine particles into the air.
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What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?
What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?
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Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.
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Which process removes CO2 from the atmosphere?
Which process removes CO2 from the atmosphere?
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Photosynthesis. Plants convert $CO_2$ and water into glucose using sunlight.
Photosynthesis. Plants convert $CO_2$ and water into glucose using sunlight.
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What role do forests play in the carbon cycle?
What role do forests play in the carbon cycle?
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Carbon sinks. Natural reservoirs that absorb and store atmospheric carbon.
Carbon sinks. Natural reservoirs that absorb and store atmospheric carbon.
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What is one primary effect of increased atmospheric CO2?
What is one primary effect of increased atmospheric CO2?
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Global warming. Enhanced greenhouse effect increases Earth's average temperature.
Global warming. Enhanced greenhouse effect increases Earth's average temperature.
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What is a secondary particulate?
What is a secondary particulate?
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Particles formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Forms when gases like $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ react with other compounds.
Particles formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Forms when gases like $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ react with other compounds.
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What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?
What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?
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Absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Ocean waters dissolve atmospheric $CO_2$, acting as a carbon reservoir.
Absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Ocean waters dissolve atmospheric $CO_2$, acting as a carbon reservoir.
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Which process releases CO2 during decomposition?
Which process releases CO2 during decomposition?
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Respiration. Cellular process that breaks down organic matter, releasing $CO_2$.
Respiration. Cellular process that breaks down organic matter, releasing $CO_2$.
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What is the greenhouse effect?
What is the greenhouse effect?
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Warming of Earth due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases. $CO_2$ and other gases trap heat that would escape to space.
Warming of Earth due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases. $CO_2$ and other gases trap heat that would escape to space.
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Which law limits particulate emissions in the US?
Which law limits particulate emissions in the US?
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Clean Air Act. Federal legislation regulating air pollutants including particulates.
Clean Air Act. Federal legislation regulating air pollutants including particulates.
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Which gas is a precursor to secondary particulates?
Which gas is a precursor to secondary particulates?
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Sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$). Reacts with moisture and other chemicals to form sulfate particles.
Sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$). Reacts with moisture and other chemicals to form sulfate particles.
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What is the main source of black carbon?
What is the main source of black carbon?
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Diesel engines. Heavy-duty vehicles produce most black carbon emissions.
Diesel engines. Heavy-duty vehicles produce most black carbon emissions.
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Which gas is a greenhouse gas besides CO2?
Which gas is a greenhouse gas besides CO2?
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Methane ($CH_4$). Potent greenhouse gas with higher warming potential than $CO_2$.
Methane ($CH_4$). Potent greenhouse gas with higher warming potential than $CO_2$.
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Identify one impact of climate change due to CO2.
Identify one impact of climate change due to CO2.
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Rising sea levels. Thermal expansion and ice melt from warming increase ocean levels.
Rising sea levels. Thermal expansion and ice melt from warming increase ocean levels.
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How do particulates affect climate?
How do particulates affect climate?
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By altering Earth's albedo. Reflective particles cool Earth; absorbing particles warm it.
By altering Earth's albedo. Reflective particles cool Earth; absorbing particles warm it.
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