Unit 16: Environmental Chemistry

1. Environmental chemistry primarily deals with:

a) Chemical reactions in living organisms
b) The impact of chemicals on the environment
c) Synthesis of organic compounds
d) Industrial chemical processes
Answer: b) The impact of chemicals on the environment

2. The primary source of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions is:

a) Vehicle exhaust
b) Industrial processes
c) Agricultural activities
d) Natural gas combustion
Answer: b) Industrial processes

3. Which of the following gases is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect?

a) Nitrogen
b) Oxygen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Argon
Answer: c) Carbon dioxide

4. The term “acid rain” refers to:

a) Rain with a pH below 5.6
b) Rain with a high concentration of salt
c) Rain with a pH above 7
d) Rain with high levels of dust
Answer: a) Rain with a pH below 5.6

5. Ozone depletion is primarily caused by:

a) Carbon dioxide
b) Methane
c) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
d) Nitrogen oxides
Answer: c) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

6. The process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen is known as:

a) Respiration
b) Photosynthesis
c) Combustion
d) Nitrogen fixation
Answer: b) Photosynthesis

7. Which of the following is a common method for treating drinking water to remove contaminants?

a) Filtration
b) Boiling
c) Distillation
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

8. The main component of natural gas is:

a) Ethane
b) Propane
c) Methane
d) Butane
Answer: c) Methane

9. Eutrophication in water bodies is caused by:

a) High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus
b) Low levels of dissolved oxygen
c) High levels of heavy metals
d) Low levels of carbon dioxide
Answer: a) High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus

10. A common method of waste disposal that involves burning is called:

a) Landfilling
b) Incineration
c) Composting
d) Recycling
Answer: b) Incineration