Question 1

Which of the following lists the major components of Earth's atmosphere in order of decreasing abundance?

Accepted Answer

N$$_2$$, O$$_2$$, Ar, CO$$_2$$

Question 2

Which atmospheric layer contains nearly all living things and experiences a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude?

Accepted Answer

Troposphere

Question 3

Lightning can convert atmospheric nitrogen into which compound?

Accepted Answer

NO

Question 4

The Haber-Bosch process is used industrially to fix nitrogen. Which equation correctly represents this process?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{N_2 + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3}$$

Question 5

Which of the following is a direct result of temperature inversion near Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

Pollutants are trapped near the ground

Question 6

Which gas is primarily responsible for the amber color of photochemical smog?

Accepted Answer

NO$$_2$$

Question 7

Which of the following pollutants can bind with hemoglobin, thereby preventing the blood from transporting oxygen?

Accepted Answer

CO

Question 8

What is the main chemical reaction that occurs when coal containing sulfur is burned?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{S(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow SO_2(g)}$$

Question 9

Which device is typically used to remove particulate matter from smokestack emissions?

Accepted Answer

Electrostatic precipitator

Question 10

Which of the following is a significant health effect of particulate matter (PM) pollution?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

Question 11

Which chemical reaction represents the formation of sulfuric acid from sulfur trioxide in the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{SO_3(g) + H_2O(l) \rightarrow H_2SO_4(l)}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a secondary pollutant formed in photochemical smog?

Accepted Answer

O$$_3$$

Question 13

What is the main environmental effect of acid precipitation caused by industrial smog?

Accepted Answer

Damage to plants and crops

Question 14

Which process is responsible for the majority of nitrogen fixation in modern agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Haber-Bosch process

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a pollutant?

Accepted Answer

Any substance in the wrong place at the wrong time

Question 16

Which of the following is a major contributor to the formation of photochemical smog in urban areas?

Accepted Answer

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Question 17

Which reaction shows the oxidation of nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{2NO(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2NO_2(g)}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of the invention of the Haber-Bosch process?

Accepted Answer

Increase in agricultural productivity

Question 19

Which of the following is a method for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from coal combustion?

Accepted Answer

Adding limestone (CaCO$$_3) to $$the coal

Question 20

Which of the following is a harmful effect of carbon monoxide exposure in humans?

Accepted Answer

It binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport

Chemistry of the Atmosphere: Air Composition, Nitrogen and Oxygen Cycles, and Air Pollution

Study Guide - Practice Questions