CHEM 208 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Sulfur, Ultraviolet, Capillary Action
2 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Air (which all of us must breathe) composes the atmosphere and is a complex mixture of gases surrounding the earth. The atmosphere is a layered structure divided into layers according to a variety of criteria such as gradually changing: The atmosphere is divided in to different segments: The air we breathe is a mixture of several gases, fine particles and vapors. 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen plus traces of other substances that are both natural and human- made. Major components: nitrogen, oxygen, water and carbon dioxide. Minor components: carbon monoxide, ozone, oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen. These air pollutants are emitted directly into the atmosphere during combustion and production processes, changing the composition of atmosphere and causing poor air quality. The burning of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas and coal) are the cause of these pollutants. These elements are mainly responsible for the presence of minor components. They are the major sources of human created air pollution.
