a substance that causes damage to air, water or land

a gas that contributes to global warming by reducing the amount of radiation leaving Earth’s atmosphere

tiny solid particles such as soot (C) that can be found in air pollution

a reduction in the amount of radiation reaching Earth’s surface caused by particulates in the atmosphere

a device, containing catalysts, that helps reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from car exhausts

Atmospheric pollutants

Chemistry

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Evolution of Earth's atmosphere

Burning hydrocarbons

Acid rain and chemical weathering

Greenhouse gases

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Global climate change and the effects

Human activity and climate change

Ozone layer: a story of global success

In the Industrial chemistry unit, pupils will learn about chemical, industrial, environmental and economic factors of some large-scale chemical processes.

In the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change unit, pupils learned about the carbon cycle, the formation of sedimentary rocks, and the impact of burning fossil fuels.

This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.

Atmosphere and changing climate

Name the pollutant which is a colourless, odourless and toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel.

Which of the following are problems associated with carbon particulates?

Which of the following is a problem associated with carbon dioxide?

Which of the following pollutants form acids in water?

A {{}} is a device which can be fitted to car exhausts to change harmful carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide into carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

It releases more energy per kilogram of fuel.

The production of hydrogen can release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Hydrogen needs to be stored in highly pressurised containers.

Which of the following are advantages of using hydrogen fuel in cars rather than petrol?

Which of the following is a potential source of pollutants?

Which pollutant does complete combustion release into the atmosphere?

When a fuel combusts, which gas from the air does it react with?

Which of the following pollutants are produced during the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels?

If a fuel containing sulfur reacts with oxygen, which of the following is a possible product?

What is the name given to a chemical that speeds up the rate of a reaction without being used up itself?

Atmospheric pollutants

Lesson outcome