Unit 7

Pollutants directly emitted from a source, e.g., CO, SO2, NOx, particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5).

Formed in the atmosphere through reactions, e.g., ozone (O3), sulfuric acid, nitric acid.

Air pollution formed by sunlight acting on NOx and VOCs, leading to ozone production; common in cities with lots of traffic.

A layer of warm air traps pollutants near the surface, preventing dispersion and leading to high pollution levels.

Includes acid rain, snow, and fog formed when sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water in the atmosphere.

A pollution control device that removes pollutants from a gas stream by passing it through a liquid to trap particulates and gases.

A device in car exhaust systems that reduces NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions.

Pollutants like radon, asbestos, tobacco smoke, and VOCs from building materials and household products.

A radioactive gas from uranium decay in soil, which can accumulate in homes and is a lung cancer risk.

Unwanted or harmful sound that can cause stress, hearing loss, and disrupt animal communication and navigation.

Electric potential or ‘pressure’ that pushes electrons through a conductor.

The flow rate of electric charge; how many electrons pass a point per second.

Rate of energy transfer; calculated as Volts × Amps.

Total energy used over time; 1 Watt used for 1 hour = 1 Wh.

You pay for electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Cost depends on rate and usage. E.g., $0.17 per kWh in the US.

Ratio of real power used to apparent power supplied; impacts efficiency of power usage.