energy & the environment > FINAL EXAM > Flashcards

FINAL EXAM Flashcards

(124 cards)

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1
Q

allotropes

A

different structural forms of the same element

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2
Q

protons vs neutrons vs electrons

A

protons - refer to atomic #, same as electrons
electrons - same as protons
neutrons - atomic mass - atomic #

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3
Q

respiration

A

process of taking in oxygen to metabolize the foods we eat to produce carbon dioxide and water and to release the energy that powers other chemical reactions in our bodies

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4
Q

photosynthesis

A

process by which plants capture energy of sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen from CO2 and H2O

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5
Q

regions of atmopshere (in order)

A

troposphere
stratosphere
ozone layer
mesosphere
thermosphere
exosphere

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6
Q

components of breath

A

mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, CO2, argon, water

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7
Q

carbon monoxide

A

“silent killer”, odorless, interferes with ability of hemoglobin to transports oxygen through blood; may experience dizziness, headache, nausea;
sources = car exhaust, charcoal fires

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8
Q

sulfur dioxide

A

sharp unpleasant odor, if inhaled dissolves in lungs to form acid, ppl w asthma susceptible; primarily from burning of coal

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9
Q

nitrogen oxides (NOx)

A

brown color, primary visible component of urban smog; can combine w moist tissue in lungs to produce acid; produced in atmosphere from nitrogen monoxide (colorless gas pollutant); formed from reaction of N2 and O2 in air from anything that is hot

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10
Q

lead (Pb)

A

naturally occurring element found in earth’s crust, major sources = metal processing plant, cosmetics, plumbing materials; when released in the air, may travel long distances before settling, accumulates in soil/water reserves; can affect central nervous system, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, cardiovascular system

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11
Q

particulate matter

A

complex mixture of tiny solid particles and microscopic liquid droplets, classified by size (2.5 worst); come from vehicle engines, coal-burning power plant, wildfires, blowing dust; sometimes visible as soot or smoke, can cause lung irritation, heart disease

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12
Q

air quality index

A

scaled 1 - 500, green or yellow (<100) indicates air of good/moderate quality, orange (101-150) air unhealthy for some groups, red, purple, maroon (>150) air is unhealthy for everyone

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13
Q

bad ozone

A

sharp odor, can reduce lung function, may experience chest pain, coughing, sneezing, lung congestion, damages crops and leaves of trees; sunlight and heat necessary for ozone to result from VOCs and NOx

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14
Q

role of catalytic converter

A

helps incomplete combustion, operates on exhaust to oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to CO2 and reduce nitrogen oxides to N2

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15
Q

electromagnetic spectrum

A

gamma –> xray –> UV –> visible –> infrared –> microwave –> radio

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16
Q
A
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17
Q

good ozone

A

ozone in upper atmosphere, absorbs UV-C

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18
Q

where is the ozone hole/why?

A

antarctica; in antarctic winter, polar stratospheric clouds form that are composed of tiny ice crystals where on their surface, chemical reactions occur that convert non-ozone depleting chemicals into reactive ones that do; when sunlight returns in late sept, light splits the molecule, freeing the Cl, leading to hole

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19
Q

what time of year is the ozone hole the largest?

A

in northern hemisphere, may-october; lowest in winter because less sunlight/heat

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20
Q

how and why is UVB and UVC absorbed

A

UV-B: medium energy, most absorbed by ozone in stratosphere, damages outermost layer of skin; rapidly absorbed at surface because has energy needed to break chemical bonds
UV-C: highest energy (shortest wavelength), very harmful but completely absorbed by O2 and O3 in atmosphere

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21
Q

chlorofluorocarbons

A

chlorine, fluorine, carbon; oxygen depleting chemicals, found in refrigerants and aerosols; very stable

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22
Q

role of chlorine in CFCs

A

chlorine triggers chain reaction that breaks down ozone

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23
Q

montreal protocol

A

46 countries came together to ban production of CFCs worldwide, resulted in precipitous drop

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24
Q

biological effects of radiation

A

UV rays highly energetic, can break chemical bonds, if break bonds in DNA can cause cancer

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25
sunscreen
mineral sunscreen w large particles or nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) suspended in lotion; some organic more toxic to aquatic species
26
distance of earth from sun/how it determines temperature
given distance from sun, should be colder but atmosphere traps heat
27
role of atmosphere
traps solar radiation/ghg, warming planet
28
energy balance (radiation)
31% of radiation from sun is reflected, 69% absorbed (23% atmosphere, 46% land masses/oceans)
29
greenhouse effect
natural process by which atmospheric gases absorb and re-radiate a major portion (about 80%) of infrared radiation radiated by earth
30
albedo
measure of reflectivity on a surface
31
aerosols & clouds
aerosols = cooling effect (reflective), clouds = warming (water vapor)
32
what are GHG
gases capable of absorbing and emitting IR radiation, warming the atmosphere; CO2, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, CFCs; BONDS VIBRATE
33
dipole moment
dipole moment occurs when electrons in a molecule are shared unequally between two atoms due to a difference in electronegativity, or when a molecule has lone pairs of electrons that create a separation of charge Molecules with dipole moment/non-zero dipole moment are greenhouse gases
34
global warming potential
methane high GWP, but breaks down faster in atmosphere than CO2, CO2 lasts for thousands of years making it dangerous for long term
35
how do we know CO2 levels today/historically
C14, C13, C12 ratios in ice cores; fossil fuels have almost no C14 and almost fully C12; burning FF decreases C-13 and C-14 ratios
36
tree rings & ice cores
Tree rings indicate temperature: larger space between rings, warmer climate; smaller, cooler, ice cores reveal oxygen and carbon isotope ratios that reveal temp data
37
how do you get temperature from ice cores
O-18 (warmer) and O-16 (colder) ratios in CO2 molecules & H-1/H-2 ratio
38
how do we know that atmospheric CO2 is from FF?
isotope ratios (C-12, C-13, C-14)
39
why CO2 higher in northern hemisphere?
more affluent countries burn more FF to support industry, population; has more land and vegetation –> a more pronounced
40
carbon cycle
photosynthesis, combustion, respiration; ex. deforestation, decomposition, volcanos, ocean uptake
41
sources of CO2
transportation, industry, cement production
42
distribution of water
97% salt in ocean, 3% freshwater (68% in glaciers, 30% underground, 0.3% in lakes, rivers, wetlands)
43
tap vs bottled water
tap: naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, may contain treatment additives like chlorine and fluoride; regulated by EPA Bottled water sourced from municipal tapwater or natural sources and then treated further through purification methods like reverse osmosis (minerals are often stripped out and then sometimes added back for taste); may be contaminated by microplastics; regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which bases its standards on the EPA’s tap water standards
44
sources of water pollution
Contaminants of freshwater: agriculture, industrial waste, poor sanitation Contaminants of groundwater: abandoned mines, runoff from fertilized fields poorly constructed landfills and septic systems, household chemicals poured down the drain or on the ground
45
water footprint of diff foods
rice, soybeans, wheat, corn; beef, sheep, pork, chicken
46
domestic water footprint vs total
47
unique properties of water
only substance that can exist as solid, liquid, vapor at avg temps liquid under standard temp + pressure high boiling point expands when freezes high capacity to absorb and release heat
48
polar solvent
49
electronegativity
measure of the attraction of an electron toward an atom within a covalent bond; the greater the diff in electronegativity between 2 bonded atoms, the more polar the bond is
50
polar covalent vs ionic bond
PCB = a covalent bond in which the electrons are not equally shared, but are closer to the more electronegative atom; ionic bounds between anions/cations, electrons transferred not shared
51
hydrogen bond
an electrostatic attraction between a H atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (O, N, or F) and a neighboring O, N, or F atom, either in another molecule or in a different part of the same molecule (INTERMOLECULAR, NOT INTRAMOLECULAR LIKE COVALENT)
52
water hardness
A measure of the amount of dissolved calcium (Ca2+) and/or magnesium (Mg2+) ions in water
53
CaCO3
calcium carbonate = insoluble
54
whats in drinking water
Various natural minerals and ions (ex. calcium and magnesium), and trace amounts of chemical treatments (ex. chlorine and fluoride)
55
water treatment
review treatment plant diagram
56
how to make drinking water from sea water?
reverse osmosis, distillation
57
acids
compounds that release H+ ions in an aqueous solution; sour taste Turn blue litmus paper red React w carbonates Strong acid dissociates completely into ions in water Weak acid dissociates partially to form ions in water donates a proton to a base
58
bases
compound that releases OH- ions in aqueous solution; common NH3 ammonia and NaOH lye
59
pH scale
as pH values rise above 7, H+ decreases, OH- increases; higher pH –> more diluted H+; pH value decreases –> acidity increases
60
neutralization
chemical reaction in which a proton from an acid combines with hydroxide ion from base to form a water molecule
61
chemistry of acid rain
NO2 + H2O → HNO3 SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
62
ocean acidification
lowering of the ocean pH due to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide; CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3 (carbonic acid)
63
reaction for dissolving sea shells
CaCO3 + [H+] –> Ca2+ + HCO3-
64
bioaccumulation
the increase in concentration of a substance such as a toxin over lifespan of biological creature
65
definition of a calorie
the amount of heat necessary to raise the temp of one gram of water by 1 degree celcius
66
definition of power (watts)
rate of energy production 1 W = 1 J/s
67
what is a kWh?
1 kilowatt hour =
68
Joule
power (W) x time (s) = J; ! J is approx equal to the energy required to raise a 100g to a height of 1m against the force of gravity;
69
efficiency of electrical energy generation
roughly 30% for electricity from coal/oil and slightly higher for natural gas
70
what is the advantage of natural gas?
slightly cleaner alternative to coal and oil(doesn't release SO2 and small amts of PM, CO, and NOx, no ash residue), releases less CO2 than other FF, technology has made it easier to access natural gas deposits
71
source of major electricity production in US vs China
How many coal power plants in US, China? ~200 in US, Currently 15% of electricity in US produced from coal ~1200 china How many nuclear power plants would be needed to power the US? 4400 Twh total electricity in US per year 1 nuclear reactor produces ~ 1gigabyte 4400 twh (10^12) / (24 x 365) = ~500GW → ~500 nuclear reactors
72
energy from H2 gas, pros & cons
pros: clean, high energy density distribution; cons: no cheap/good source, hard to transport
73
energy from crops, biofuels, pros & cons
biofuels = renewable fuel derived from a biological source (trees, grasses, animal waste, crops); pros: can replace crude oil, renewable from regrowth, carbon neutral process, domestic fuel source that can generate income for farmers; cons: growing of crops can rely on pesticide/fertilizer use, manufacturing and transport involves CO2 emissions
74
how does an oil refinery work?
- Hydrocarbons have different volatiles and boiling points due to differing strengths if their intermolecular forces; - distillation separates crude oil into components, Boiler heats oil, vaporizing most - Vapors condense at different temps on distillation tower and are collected
75
rank crude oil fractions from lowest to highest boiling point
1. refinery gases 2. gasoline 3. diesel 4. lubricating oils 5. asphalt
76
what is cracking and reforming?
to change natural distribution of and obtain gasoline of higher quality --> thermal cracking is a process that breaks large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones by heating them to a high temperature, requires lots of energy
77
what is a gasoline's octane rating
gasolines resistant to causing knocking in an engine
78
catalytic cracking & reforming
catalytic cracking requires less energy to break large hydrocarbons down into smaller ones at relatively lower temperatures; catalytic reforming = process in which the atoms within a molecule are rearranged, usually starting with linear molecules and producing ones with more branches
79
renewable energy sources
solar, hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass
80
nonrenewable energy
FF, nuclear (alternative)
81
pros and cons of nuclear
pros: immense energy output, cleaner than FF cons: non-renewable (mining uranium), radioactive waste, meltdowns (reactors subject to failures)
82
where does the power of nuclear energy come from
fusion + fission of uranium/plutonium
83
how does a nuclear power plant work
same as conventional power plant, instead energy released through nuclear fission of atomic nuclei heats water; neutrons needed to induce fission reaction in the fuel rods that contain pellets, using a heavier element to release alpha particles
84
how many nuclear power plants could power the country?
85
what happens in a nuclear bomb?
uncontrolled chain reaction
86
How much enriched 235U is needed for a power plant and how much for a nuclear weapon?
3% U-235 for plant, 90% U-235 for weapon
87
how is an isotope written
mass #, element, atomic #
88
how many protons does each uranium atom contain
92
89
What is typically the reason for an explosion in a nuclear power plant?
overheating, H2 gas creation, H2 gas explodes in air
90
half life
the time required for the level of radioactivity to fall to 1/2 of its initial value
91
How does a long or short half-life time relate to the harmfulness of radioactive substances? How does biodistribution factor in?
shorter = more potent
92
What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, which is the most energetic?
alpha = positively charged particle emitted from the nucleus, charge of 2+, mass # -4 / atomic # -2; HELIUM ATOM beta = high speed electron emitted from nucleus, charge of -1, mass # no change / atomic # +1; gamma (most energetic) = no charge or mass, high energy, short wavelength photon, no change in mass/atomic #
93
what is the product of U-238 in a collision with alpha particles
241Pu94
94
Where is nuclear waste from power plants currently being stored and why?
spent fuel rods can be buried underground in steel or concrete casks; ex. strontium (radioactive fission product)
95
pros and cons of solar power
pros: sun unlimited energy source, emissions only in construction, no waste, cost decreasing, maintenance free, lower SOx and NOx, decrease CO2 cons: high initial cost, cosmetic concerns, nimbyism, processes used to extract and purify silicon expensive, direct conversion of sunlight not efficient (so far at around 25%), land use
96
2 ways to convert energy from the sun into electricity
concentrating solar power & photovoltaic cells
97
what materials are solar panels made of
silicon
98
pros and cons of wind energy
pros: renewable, no FF, wind farms can exceed output of traditional power plants cons: hard for siting, bird collisions, nimbyism
99
battery
an energy storage device that converts the energy released from spontaneous chemical reactions into electrical energy
100
oxidation
a process in which a chemical species loses electrons, occurs at anode
101
reduction
a process in which a chemical species gains electrons, occurs at cathode
102
watts equation (w/ voltage)
watts = voltage x current
103
voltage
V = I x R (I = current, measured in amps, A); (R = resistance, measure in ohms)
104
power (ch. 8)
the rate at which electrical energy is transferred through an electrical circuit ; P = V x I, P = I^2 x R, P = V^2/R
105
why are batteries heavy and take up space?
to produce higher voltages, several cells must be connected
106
how does a Zn/Cu battery setup work
oxidiation half reaction on zinc (anode) side (-), salt bridge separator )(NaCl), reduction half reaction on copper (cathode) side (+)
107
lemon battery
something abt H+ ions
108
what metal is used in the battery of a laptop?
lithium
109
What is a sacrificial anode used in boats/ships/pipelines?
a corrosion inhibitor, they protect pipelines and iron hulls; oxidation occurs at reactive metal like Mg (can oxidize easier), protecting the cathode
110
what is a fuel cell?
an electrochemical cell that produces energy by converting the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity without combustion; hydrogen is fuel w oxygen, transfer of electrons from H2 --> O2 w no flame, relatively little heat
111
advantage of fuel cell vs battery?
as long as oxygen + fuel are supplied, a fuel cell will not run down like a battery will
112
hybrid vehicles run on
conventional gasoline engine + electric motor powered by batteries
113
pros and cons of fuel cells running on H2?
pro: produces H2O, lighter than traditional car battery, only need 1 cons: if directly mixed with oxygen, can explode, not many hydrogen refueling stations, H gas takes up a lot of space, heavy and unwieldy tank, most hydrogen not in H2 form naturally (need energy to make gas from H2O)
114
equation for converting food energy into mechanical work
e = mgh ; m = mass, g = rate of gravity, h = height raised
115
endothermic
heat absorbed
116
exothermic
heat released
117
bond-energy approximation formula
net energy change = reactants - products OR bonds broken - bonds formed
118
kyoto protocol
global effort to reduce ghg
119
The heat energy released or absorbed by a chemical reaction is generally determined by the difference between the energy that
must be put in to break the bonds in the reactants and the energy that is released upon making the bonds in the products
120
during the chemical reaction in an electrochemical cell...
electrons flow from the anode (where electrons are lost through oxidation) to the cathode (electrons gained through reduction)
121
Zn/Cu battery reactions
Zu --> Zn2+ + 2e- Cu2+ + 2e- --> Cu
122
which of the following is the largest natural source of ionizing radiation?
radon gas
123
what atmospheric component is directly responsible for the acidity of rain?
carbon dioxide
124
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