AP: Study Guide 📚

Air Pollution Study Guide

This study guide will help you study for the module exam by highlighting the most important concepts on the exam. It is not a definitive list of every topic that could appear on the exam and should not be used in lieu of the textbook and course content.

 

🚨 Do not begin your test until you have completed all self-assessments, assignments, and the review items and feel confident in your understanding of this material.

 

Introduction to Air Pollution 🏭 (click to reveal)

• • • • • Coal combustion releases air pollutants including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, toxic metals, and particulates.
        • The combustion of fossil fuels releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. They lead to the production of ozone, formation of photochemical smog, and convert to nitric acid in the atmosphere, causing acid rain. Other pollutants produced by fossil fuel combustion include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.
        • Air quality can be affected through the release of sulfur dioxide during the burning of fossil fuels, mainly diesel fuels.
        • Through the Clean Air Act 💨, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulated the use of lead, particularly in fuels, which dramatically decreased the amount of lead in the atmosphere.
        • Air pollutants can be primary or secondary pollutants.

• • • • • Identify...
          • the sources of air pollution.
          • the effects of air pollution.
          • air pollutants released during the combustion of coal.
          • primary and secondary air pollutants.
        • Describe...  
          • how nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of acid rain.
          • the difference between primary and secondary pollutants.
        • Justify...
          • the effectiveness of current regulations in controlling the release of pollutants from coal combustion.
          • how the regulation of lead in fuels can serve as a model for addressing other environmental challenges.
        • Explain...
          • the long-term consequences of continued coal combustion on air quality and climate change.
          • the process by which nitrogen oxides lead to the formation of ozone and photochemical smog.
          • the effectiveness of the Clean Air Act 💨 in addressing air quality issues related to fossil fuel emissions.

 

Photochemical Smog 🌅 (click to reveal)

• • • • • Photochemical smog is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic hydrocarbons react with heat and sunlight to produce a variety of pollutants.
        • Many environmental factors affect the formation of photochemical smog.
        • Nitrogen oxide is produced early in the day. Ozone concentrations peak in the afternoon and are higher in the summer because ozone is produced by chemical reactions between oxygen and sunlight.
        • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and gasoline, evaporate or sublimate at room temperature. Trees are a natural source of VOCs.
        • Photochemical smog often forms in urban areas because of the large number of motor vehicles there.
        • Photochemical smog can be reduced through the reduction of nitrogen oxide and VOCs.
        • Photochemical smog can harm human health in several ways, including causing respiratory problems and eye irritation.

• • • • • Identify...
          • the pollutants produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic hydrocarbons react with heat and sunlight.
          • natural sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
        • Describe...  
          • the impact of photochemical smog on human health and the environment.
          • the chemical processes involved in the formation of ozone from oxygen and sunlight.
          • the role of trees in maintaining air quality through the emission of VOCs.
          • the environmental impacts of high levels of ozone concentrations in the atmosphere.
          • the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to photochemical smog on human health.
        • Justify the effectiveness of different strategies in reducing photochemical smog levels in urban areas.
        • Explain...
          • the causes and effects of photochemical smog and methods to reduce it. 
          • the long-term implications of continued exposure to photochemical smog on a city's population.
          • the production time of nitrogen oxide and ozone concentrations during the day.
          • the role of sunlight in the formation of photochemical smog.
          • the effects of nitrogen oxide and VOCs on the formation of photochemical smog.

 

Thermal Inversion 🌡 (click to reveal)

• • • • • During a thermal inversion, the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere is altered as the air temperature at the Earth's surface is cooler than the air at higher altitudes.
        • Thermal inversion traps pollution close to the ground, especially smog and particulates.

• • • • • Describe...  
          • thermal inversion and its relationship with pollution.
          • the impact of thermal inversion on air quality in urban areas.
        • Explain...
          • the causes and effects of photochemical smog and methods to reduce it. 
          • the long-term environmental consequences of prolonged thermal inversion events.
          • how a thermal inversion affects the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere.

 

Atmospheric CO₂ and Particulates 💨 (click to reveal)

• • • • • CO₂ appears naturally in the atmosphere from sources such as respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions.
        • There are a variety of natural sources of particulate matter.

• • • • • Identify...
          • the different types of particulate matter found in nature.
          • natural sources of CO₂ in the atmosphere.
        • Describe...  
          • natural sources of CO₂ and particulates.
          • how the levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere from natural sources have evolved over the past century.
        • Explain the interconnectedness between natural sources of CO₂ emissions and the Earth's carbon cycle.

 

Indoor Air Pollution 🏡 (click to reveal)

• • • • • Carbon monoxide is an indoor air pollutant that is classified as an asphyxiant.
        • Indoor air pollutants that are classified as particulates include asbestos, dust, and smoke.
        • Indoor air pollutants can come from natural sources, human-made sources, and combustion.
        • Common natural sources of indoor air pollutants include radon, mold, and dust.
        • Common human-made indoor air pollutants include insulation, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from furniture, paneling, and carpets; formaldehyde from building materials, furniture, upholstery, and carpeting; and lead from paints.
        • Common combustion air pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulates, and tobacco smoke.
        • Radon-222 is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of uranium found in some rocks and soils.
        • Radon gas can infiltrate homes as it moves up through the soil and enters homes via the basement or cracks in the walls or foundation. It is also dissolved in groundwater that enters homes through a well.
        • Exposure to radon gas can lead to radon-induced lung cancer, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.

• • • • • Identify...
          • indoor air pollution.
          • the sources of indoor air pollutants.
          • human-made indoor air pollutants.
        • Describe...  
          • the effects of indoor air pollution.
          • the health effects associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants.
          • the long-term environmental and health consequences of continued exposure to lead from paints in indoor environments.
          • methods to reduce indoor air pollution in a newly constructed building by addressing both natural and human-made pollutants.
          • the potential health risks associated with exposure to radon gas.
        • Justify...
          • the current regulations and policies regarding indoor air quality standards and suggest improvements.
          • the effectiveness of various air quality measurement techniques in detecting indoor pollutants.
        • Explain...
          • the impact of indoor air pollutants on human health and the environment and propose possible solutions. 
          • the potential health risks associated with exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to radon.
          • the measures that can be taken to reduce radon levels in a home.

 

Reduction of Air Pollutants 🚙 (click to reveal)

• • • • • Methods to reduce air pollutants include regulatory practices, conservation practices, and alternative fuels.
        • A vapor recovery nozzle is an air pollution control device on a gasoline pump that prevents fumes from escaping into the atmosphere when fueling a motor vehicle.
        • A catalytic converter is an air pollution control device for internal combustion engines that converts pollutants (CO, NO_x, and hydrocarbons) in exhaust into less harmful molecules (CO₂, N₂, O₂, and H₂O).
        • Wet and dry scrubbers are air pollution control devices that remove particulates and/or gases from industrial exhaust streams.
        • Methods to reduce air pollution from coal-burning power plants include scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators.

• • • • • Identify...
          • the different types of pollutants that are converted by a catalytic converter.
          • methods to reduce air pollutants.
          • methods to reduce air pollution from coal-burning power plants.
        • Describe...  
          
          • the function of a catalytic converter.
          • a vapor recovery nozzle.
          • how wet and dry scrubbers are commonly used in industrial settings.
        • Justify the long-term effects of implementing strict regulatory practices on industries in a region.
        • Explain...
          • how air pollutants can be reduced at the source. 
          • the impact of using catalytic converters on air quality in urban areas.
          • the long-term effects of industrial air pollution on public health.

 

Acid Rain 🌧 (click to reveal)

• • • • • Acid rain and deposition are due to nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from anthropogenic and natural sources in the atmosphere.
        • Nitric oxides that cause acid deposition come from motor vehicles and coal-burning power plants. Sulfur dioxides that cause acid deposition come from coal-burning power plants.
        • Acid deposition mainly affects communities that are downwind from coal-burning power plants.
        • Acid rain and deposition can lead to the acidification of soils and bodies of water and corrosion of human-made structures. 
        • Regional differences in soils and bedrock affect the impact that acid deposition has on the region - such as limestone bedrock's ability to neutralize the effect of acid rain on lakes and ponds.

• • • • • Identify...
          • the main source of sulfur dioxides that lead to acid rain.
          • the differences between nitric oxides and sulfur dioxides.
        • Describe...  
          • acid deposition and its effects on the environment.
          • solutions to reduce the production of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from anthropogenic sources.
          • how acid rain is formed.
          • how regional differences in soils can influence the impact of acid deposition.
          • impacts of acid rain on bodies of water.
          • factors that can neutralize the effect of acid rain on lakes.
        • Explain...
          • the environmental impact of acid rain caused by nitrogen and sulfur oxides on aquatic life in a specific ecosystem.
          • the correlation between soil composition and the severity of acid deposition effects.
          • the long-term consequences of acid rain on regions with limestone bedrock.

 

Noise Pollution 🎧 (click to reveal)

• • • • • Noise pollution is sound at levels high enough to cause physiological stress and hearing loss.
        • Sources of noise pollution in urban areas include transportation, construction, and domestic and industrial activity.
        • Some effects of noise pollution on animals in ecological systems include stress, the masking of sounds used to communicate or hunt, damaged hearing, and causing changes to migratory routes.

• • • • • Identify...
          • the sources of noise pollution.
          • noise pollution.
        • Describe...  
          • human activities that result in noise pollution and its effects.
          • the impact of noise pollution on public health in urban areas.
          • ways to mitigate noise pollution.
        • Justify existing urban planning strategies in a city with significant noise pollution issues.
        • Explain the long-term consequences of chronic exposure to high levels of noise pollution on urban residents.

 

 

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Multiple-Choice 📝

• You will only be graded on what is submitted in Canvas.
• There are four choices for each question. Choose the best answer.
• On the actual AP exam, you will have 90 minutes to answer 80 questions. On this test, you will have 65 minutes to answer the questions on your test.

 

Free-Response 📝

• You will only be graded on what is submitted in Canvas.
• You can write your answers and upload them to Canvas OR write them directly in Canvas
  • NOTE: if you are uploading your answers to Canvas, you are responsible for uploading your answers within the time frame allowed for the free-response test. You will not get extra time if your document does not upload in time.
• On this exam, you will have 35 minutes to answer your Free Response question. On the real AP exam, you should plan for about 22.5 minutes per FRQ.

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