Test: Atmospheric Pollution - Grade 11 MCQ

Nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are produced from burning fossil fuels and are known to cause respiratory issues, including asthma and other lung diseases, by irritating the airways.

Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion in vehicles, which is highly toxic and can significantly impact air quality and human health when inhaled.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known for depleting the ozone layer by breaking down ozone molecules into oxygen, which reduces the layer's ability to protect against harmful UV radiation.

Global warming leads to the melting of ice caps and glaciers in polar regions, contributing to rising sea levels that can inundate coastal areas and disrupt marine ecosystems.

Sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems and irritate the mucous membranes, leading to symptoms like headaches and coughing. Prolonged exposure can result in more severe health issues.

Global warming refers to the increase in Earth's average temperature as a result of the greenhouse effect, where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to various environmental changes and challenges.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas released during the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Its accumulation in the atmosphere contributes significantly to global warming and climate change.

Pollution is primarily caused by human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, and improper waste management, which introduce harmful substances into the environment at a much faster rate than natural sources can.

Methane is primarily produced during the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, such as in wetlands or rice fields. It is also released from livestock digestion and certain industrial activities.

Acid rain is mainly caused by the presence of nitric and sulfuric acids in the atmosphere, formed when oxides of nitrogen and sulfur react with rainwater. This acidic precipitation can harm ecosystems, buildings, and human health.

Smog, which is a mixture of air pollutants, can cause significant respiratory issues, including asthma attacks and other lung-related diseases, due to the irritants it contains.

Automobiles are a man-made source of air pollutants as they burn fuels like petrol and diesel, releasing harmful gases. In contrast, forest fires, decaying vegetation, and volcanic eruptions are natural sources of air pollution.

Nitrogen dioxide can cause serious injury to plants by damaging their leaves, which can adversely affect their overall health and growth. This pollutant plays a significant role in forming photochemical smog, which further harms vegetation.

Acid rain can lead to corrosion and deterioration of buildings and structures, particularly those made of limestone or marble, as the acids can dissolve the materials and weaken their integrity.

Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, although its concentration varies. It plays a crucial role in the natural greenhouse effect, helping to regulate the Earth's temperature.

Carbon dioxide is released during respiration by all living organisms, including humans and animals. It is a natural part of the carbon cycle and contributes to the greenhouse effect when present in excess in the atmosphere.

One effective method for controlling carbon monoxide pollution is to switch from using internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. This reduces emissions directly at the source, helping to improve air quality.

Acid rain negatively impacts soil by leaching away essential nutrients like calcium and potassium, which are vital for plant growth. This loss of nutrients can lead to reduced soil fertility and health.

Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin more strongly than oxygen, preventing the blood from carrying sufficient oxygen to body tissues, which can lead to serious health issues and even death in high concentrations.

The ozone layer absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, protecting living organisms from potential damage such as skin cancer and other health issues, as well as preserving plant life.