- After inspecting Figure 8.2, suggest why air in the troposphere mixes only slowly
with that in the stratosphere. - What chemical species in the stratosphere is essential for life on Earth?
- What starts a photochemical reaction? What is it called when a series of photochemical
reactions continues? - What is a free radical?
- In what two important respects may very small particles participate in atmospheric
chemical processes? - In what respect does the radiation by which Earth loses energy differ from that by
which it gets energy from the sun? - What are two catastrophic events that could cause a sudden cooling of Earth’s
atmosphere? - How is water vapor involved in moving energy through the atmosphere?
- Distinguish among the terms meteorology, weather, and climate.
- What do clouds consist of? What must happen before rain falls from clouds?
- Why is there essentially no atmospheric chemistry involving elemental nitrogen gas
in the atmosphere? - Cite an atmospheric chemical condition or phenomenon that shows that the O 2
molecule is easier to break apart than the N 2 molecule. - In what respect are elemental nitrogen and oxygen green elements?
- Give a chemical reaction that produces oxygen that can be used for emergencies.
- What are two major classes of atmospheric particles based upon how they are
produced? - What is the source of fly ash?
- Suggest why lead has become less of a problem as an atmospheric pollutant in recent
years. - What is a radioactive element that can get into indoor spaces from underground
sources? - What is an atmospheric phenomenon caused most prominently by particles 0.1 μm–
1 μm in size? Why are very small particles especially dangerous to breathe? - List six means of controlling particle emissions.
- What is the major health effect of carbon monoxide?
Chap. 8. Air and the Atmosphere 221