Last updated on Sep 21, 2026

Causes of Atmospheric Pollution (AQA GCSE Chemistry): Flashcards

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Properties & Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants

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Impurity often found in fossil fuels

Sulphur

Formation of $SO_2$ from fossil fuels

Sulphur impurities oxidised at high temps

Formation of nitrogen oxides ( $NO_x$ )

$N_2$ from air reacts with $O_2$ at high temps

Health effect of $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ when inhaled

Respiratory problems

Long-term exposure effect of $SO_2$ and $NO_x$

Contributes to heart disease

Effect of $CO$ and particulates on body

Impair oxygen circulation

How acid rain forms

$SO_2$ and $NO_x$ react with water in clouds

Acids in acid rain

Dilute sulphuric and nitric acids

Effect of acid rain on plant leaves

Damages plant leaves

Effect of acid rain on soil

Increases soil acidity

Effect of acid rain on water bodies

Increases acidity, harms fish & aquatic plants

Effect of acid rain on limestone buildings

Corrodes and weakens them

Effect of acid rain on metal structures

Corrodes metal, weakens infrastructure

Pollutants causing acid rain

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

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Formation of Earth's Atmosphere

CO2 & CH4 as Greenhouse Gases