Why does chemistry play a central role in our study of environmental issues? Provide an example from the text that illustrates how chemistry helps solve environmental problems
What will be an ideal response?
Chemistry is the study of matter, including how matter interacts with other matter. An understanding of chemistry is crucial in understanding how gases such as carbon dioxide and methane contribute to global climate change, how pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitric oxides cause acid rain, and how pesticides and other artificial compounds we release into the environment affect the health of wildlife and people. Chemistry is also central in understanding water pollution and sewage treatment, atmospheric ozone depletion, hazardous waste and its disposal, and energy issues. An understanding of nuclear chemistry has been crucial in the remediation efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to minimize ongoing effects of the radiation released as a result of the nuclear accident in 2011.
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At which of the following times does a mountain breeze develop its maximum strength?
A. about an hour after sunset B. just before sunrise C. about midnight D. early afternoon
Which environmental impact would not be a result of placer mining?
A) contamination of underground aquifers. B) smothering aquatic life. C) clogging streams with silt. D) destroying streambed habitats. E) introducing toxic compounds to streams
Today most rich countries have rates of natural population increase in excess of 2 percent
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
Why does benching reduce the risk of mass movements?
A)It increases the amount of vegetation on a slope. B)It prevents rainwater from seeping into the hill. C)It lowers the average slope of a hill. D)It fastens unstable rock to the underlying stable bedrock. E)Benching does not reduce the risk of mass movements.