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Chapter 19: Problem 4

What are the major secondary pollutants, and how are they formed?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Major secondary pollutants include Ground-level ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid. They are generally formed when primary pollutants react with components in the environment. For example, Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight and heat cause a reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Step by step solution

01

Define Secondary Pollutants

Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Instead, they form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact. Primary pollutants are directly emitted from a process, such as ash from a volcanic eruption, the carbon monoxide gas from a car exhaust or sulfur dioxide released from factories.
02

List Major Secondary Pollutants

Major secondary pollutants include, but are not limited to: Ground-level ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3). These pollutants can cause serious health and environmental problems.
03

Describe Formation of Secondary Pollutants

Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight and heat interact with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds which are released by cars, power plants, and other industrial sources. Nitrogen Dioxide is formed when nitric oxide (a primary pollutant) combines with oxygen. Sulfuric acid is formed when sulfur dioxide (SO2) combines with water. Nitric acid is formed in a similar way when nitrogen oxides combine with water.

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