9.1.7
Common Atmospheric Pollutants & Their Properties
Common Atmospheric Pollutants from Fossil Fuels
Common Atmospheric Pollutants from Fossil Fuels
Burning fossil fuels is a major cause of air pollution. Burning fossil fuels produces lots of carbon dioxide, as well as smaller quantities of other pollutants.
Incomplete combustion
Incomplete combustion
- Incomplete combustion happens when fuels are burned in insufficient oxygen.
- Incomplete combustion produces two problematic by-products:
- Carbon monoxide - a toxic gas.
- Particulates - small solid particles containing carbon and unburnt fuel.
Sulfur impurities
Sulfur impurities
- Sulfur is an impurity that is present in all fossil fuels.
- Sulfur oxidises when burned. This produces the toxic gas sulfur dioxide.
Internal combustion engines in cars
Internal combustion engines in cars
- When fossil fuels are burned in a confined space, the high temperatures can cause nitrogen and oxygen to react.
- This leads to the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides.
The Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants
The Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants
Common atmospheric pollutants include carbon monoxide, particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The negative effects of each of these are described here.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
- Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin in the blood.
- This restricts the blood’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
- Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless.
- This means that it is difficult to detect in the air.
- If exposed to too much carbon monoxide, symptoms can range from fainting to fatality.
Particulates
Particulates
- Inhaling particulates can cause respiratory issues.
- Particulates reflect incoming radiation out into space.
- This leads to global dimming, which decreases the levels of sunlight available for photosynthesis. This can have knock-on effects for rainfall patterns.
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
- Inhaling sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory issues.
- Sulfur dioxide can react with water to form sulfuric acid.
- Sulfuric acid is a major part of acid rain, which can cause:
- The corrosion of steel.
- The weathering of buildings, monuments and statues.
- The death of insects, plants, and aquatic organisms.
- Sulfuric acid is a major part of acid rain, which can cause:
Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxides
- Inhaling nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory issues.
- Nitrogen oxides can react with water to form nitric acid.
- Like sulfuric acid, nitric acid is a key component in acid rain.
1Atomic Structure
1.1Atoms & Elements
1.1.1Elements & Compounds
1.1.2Chemical Reactions & Equations
1.1.3Mixtures
1.1.4Separating Mixtures
1.1.5Model of the Atom
1.1.6Atom Size & Number
1.1.7Atomic Number - Calculations
1.1.8Isotopes
1.1.9Isotopes HyperLearning
1.1.10Isotopes - Calculations
1.1.11Relative Atomic Mass
1.1.12Electron Structure
1.1.13Periodic Table
1.1.14Metals & Non-Metals
1.1.15Noble Gases
1.1.16Halogens
1.1.17Alkali Metals
1.1.18Transition Metals
1.1.19End of Topic Test - Atomic Structure
1.1.20Grade 9 - Atoms & Elements
1.1.21Exam-Style Questions - Atomic Structure
1.1.22Application Questions - Atomic Structure
2Chemical Bonding
2.1Chemical Bonds
2.2States of Matter
2.3Chemical Properties
2.3.1Chemical Properties of Ionic Compounds
2.3.2Chemical Properties of Small Molecules
2.3.3Molecular Forces & Polymers
2.3.4Metals & Giant Covalent Structures
2.3.5Alloys & Conductors
2.3.6Carbon Structures - Diamond & Graphite
2.3.7Carbon Structures - Graphene & Fullerenes
2.3.8Carbon Structures - Summary
2.3.9Nanoparticles
2.3.10Nanotechnology
2.3.11Surface Area to Volume Ratio & Nanotechnology Uses
2.3.12End of Topic Test - Chemical Bonding
2.3.13Grade 9 - Bonding & Structure
2.3.14Exam-Style Questions - Allotropes of Carbon
3Quantitative Chemistry
3.1Chemical Measurements
3.1.1Conservation of Mass
3.1.2Relative Formula Mass
3.1.3Relative Formula Mass - Calculations
3.1.4Measuring Mass
3.1.5Equations & Formula
3.1.6Moles 1
3.1.7Moles 2
3.1.8Moles 3
3.1.9Moles - Calculations
3.1.10Percentage Yield
3.1.11Percentage Yield - Calculations
3.1.12Moles & Yield
3.1.13Atom Economy
3.1.14Atom Economy - Calculations
3.1.15Concentrations & Amounts
3.1.16Amount of Substance in Relation to Volumes and Gas
3.1.17Concentrations & Amounts - Calculations
3.1.18Empirical Formula - Calculations
3.1.19End of Topic Test - Quant Chemistry
3.1.20Grade 9 - Quantitative Chemistry
3.1.21Exam-Style Questions - Moles
4Chemical Changes
4.1Acids, Alkalis & Redox Reactions
4.2Reactivity of Metals
4.3Reactions of Acids
5Energy Changes
5.1Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions
6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change
6.1Rate of Reaction
7Organic Chemistry
7.1Carbon Compounds
7.2Alkenes & Alcohols
7.2.1Structure of Alkenes
7.2.2Reactions of Alkenes
7.2.3End of Topic Test - Alkanes & Alkenes
7.2.4Alcohols
7.2.5Reactions of Alcohols
7.2.6Carboxylic Acids
7.2.7Reactions of Carboxylic Acids
7.2.8Addition Polymers
7.2.9Condensation Polymers
7.2.10Naturally Occurring Polymers - Proteins
7.2.11Naturally Occurring Polymers - DNA & Sugars
7.2.12End of Topic Test - Alcohols, Acids & Polymers
7.2.13Grade 9 - Organic Chemistry
7.2.14Exam-Style Questions - Alcohols
8Chemical Analysis
8.1Purity, Formulations & Chromatography
8.2Identification of Common Gases
8.3Identifying Ions
8.3.1Flame Tests
8.3.2Required Practical: Flame Tests
8.3.3Metal Hydroxides
8.3.4Carbonates
8.3.5Halides, Sulfates
8.3.6Methodology for Chemical Analysis
8.3.7Flame Emission Spectroscopy
8.3.8End of Topic Test - Chemical Analysis
8.3.9Grade 9 - Chemical Analysis
8.3.10Exam-Style Questions - Identification of ions
9Chemistry of the Atmosphere
9.1The Earth's Atmosphere
9.1.1Proportions of Gases in the Atmosphere
9.1.2Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
9.1.3Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities
9.1.4Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities
9.1.5Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change
9.1.6Carbon Footprints
9.1.7Common Atmospheric Pollutants & Their Properties
9.1.8End of Topic Test - The Earth
9.1.9Grade 9 - Chemistry of the Atmosphere
9.1.10Exam-Style Questions - Earth's Atmosphere
10Using Resources
10.1Using the Earth's Resources
10.2Life Cycle Assessments & Recycling
10.3Using Materials
10.4The Haber Process & NPK Fertilisers
Jump to other topics
1Atomic Structure
1.1Atoms & Elements
1.1.1Elements & Compounds
1.1.2Chemical Reactions & Equations
1.1.3Mixtures
1.1.4Separating Mixtures
1.1.5Model of the Atom
1.1.6Atom Size & Number
1.1.7Atomic Number - Calculations
1.1.8Isotopes
1.1.9Isotopes HyperLearning
1.1.10Isotopes - Calculations
1.1.11Relative Atomic Mass
1.1.12Electron Structure
1.1.13Periodic Table
1.1.14Metals & Non-Metals
1.1.15Noble Gases
1.1.16Halogens
1.1.17Alkali Metals
1.1.18Transition Metals
1.1.19End of Topic Test - Atomic Structure
1.1.20Grade 9 - Atoms & Elements
1.1.21Exam-Style Questions - Atomic Structure
1.1.22Application Questions - Atomic Structure
2Chemical Bonding
2.1Chemical Bonds
2.2States of Matter
2.3Chemical Properties
2.3.1Chemical Properties of Ionic Compounds
2.3.2Chemical Properties of Small Molecules
2.3.3Molecular Forces & Polymers
2.3.4Metals & Giant Covalent Structures
2.3.5Alloys & Conductors
2.3.6Carbon Structures - Diamond & Graphite
2.3.7Carbon Structures - Graphene & Fullerenes
2.3.8Carbon Structures - Summary
2.3.9Nanoparticles
2.3.10Nanotechnology
2.3.11Surface Area to Volume Ratio & Nanotechnology Uses
2.3.12End of Topic Test - Chemical Bonding
2.3.13Grade 9 - Bonding & Structure
2.3.14Exam-Style Questions - Allotropes of Carbon
3Quantitative Chemistry
3.1Chemical Measurements
3.1.1Conservation of Mass
3.1.2Relative Formula Mass
3.1.3Relative Formula Mass - Calculations
3.1.4Measuring Mass
3.1.5Equations & Formula
3.1.6Moles 1
3.1.7Moles 2
3.1.8Moles 3
3.1.9Moles - Calculations
3.1.10Percentage Yield
3.1.11Percentage Yield - Calculations
3.1.12Moles & Yield
3.1.13Atom Economy
3.1.14Atom Economy - Calculations
3.1.15Concentrations & Amounts
3.1.16Amount of Substance in Relation to Volumes and Gas
3.1.17Concentrations & Amounts - Calculations
3.1.18Empirical Formula - Calculations
3.1.19End of Topic Test - Quant Chemistry
3.1.20Grade 9 - Quantitative Chemistry
3.1.21Exam-Style Questions - Moles
4Chemical Changes
4.1Acids, Alkalis & Redox Reactions
4.2Reactivity of Metals
4.3Reactions of Acids
5Energy Changes
5.1Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions
6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change
6.1Rate of Reaction
7Organic Chemistry
7.1Carbon Compounds
7.2Alkenes & Alcohols
7.2.1Structure of Alkenes
7.2.2Reactions of Alkenes
7.2.3End of Topic Test - Alkanes & Alkenes
7.2.4Alcohols
7.2.5Reactions of Alcohols
7.2.6Carboxylic Acids
7.2.7Reactions of Carboxylic Acids
7.2.8Addition Polymers
7.2.9Condensation Polymers
7.2.10Naturally Occurring Polymers - Proteins
7.2.11Naturally Occurring Polymers - DNA & Sugars
7.2.12End of Topic Test - Alcohols, Acids & Polymers
7.2.13Grade 9 - Organic Chemistry
7.2.14Exam-Style Questions - Alcohols
8Chemical Analysis
8.1Purity, Formulations & Chromatography
8.2Identification of Common Gases
8.3Identifying Ions
8.3.1Flame Tests
8.3.2Required Practical: Flame Tests
8.3.3Metal Hydroxides
8.3.4Carbonates
8.3.5Halides, Sulfates
8.3.6Methodology for Chemical Analysis
8.3.7Flame Emission Spectroscopy
8.3.8End of Topic Test - Chemical Analysis
8.3.9Grade 9 - Chemical Analysis
8.3.10Exam-Style Questions - Identification of ions
9Chemistry of the Atmosphere
9.1The Earth's Atmosphere
9.1.1Proportions of Gases in the Atmosphere
9.1.2Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
9.1.3Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities
9.1.4Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities
9.1.5Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change
9.1.6Carbon Footprints
9.1.7Common Atmospheric Pollutants & Their Properties
9.1.8End of Topic Test - The Earth
9.1.9Grade 9 - Chemistry of the Atmosphere
9.1.10Exam-Style Questions - Earth's Atmosphere
10Using Resources
10.1Using the Earth's Resources
10.2Life Cycle Assessments & Recycling
10.3Using Materials
10.4The Haber Process & NPK Fertilisers
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