Test: Air and Air Pollutants - Year 11 MCQ

Percentage of oxygen in the air can be determined by passing a specific amount of air over a metal. This process leads to the extraction of oxygen through a chemical reaction with the metal, allowing for the measurement of the remaining volume of air without oxygen.

Methane is primarily sourced from waste gases in the digestive processes of animals, decomposition of vegetation, and bacterial activity in swamps. This bacterial decomposition process in wetlands and swamps is a significant natural source of methane emissions, contributing to its presence in the atmosphere.

Nitrogen dioxide leads to the formation of photochemical smog and acid rain when dissolved in precipitation. This acid rain can have detrimental effects such as corrosion of metal structures, harm to aquatic life, crop contamination, and pollution of water supplies. Additionally, nitrogen dioxide can cause irritation to respiratory organs and respiratory issues in humans upon exposure.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, which in turn leads to climate change. Its presence in the atmosphere traps heat, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and influencing global climate patterns. Efforts to mitigate methane emissions are crucial in addressing climate change challenges.