Define Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
A major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Define Particulate Matter (PM).
Tiny particles in the air, such as dust, soot, and smoke.
Define Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
Define Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
Gases formed when nitrogen and oxygen react at high temperatures.
Define Aerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, releasing CO2.
Define Anaerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, releasing methane (CH4) and CO2.
Define Greenhouse Gas.
A gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, trapping heat.
Define Respiration.
The process by which living organisms convert food into energy, releasing CO2 as a byproduct.
Define Global Warming.
A gradual increase in Earth's average surface temperature.
Define Acid Rain.
Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
What are the steps of aerobic decomposition?
Microorganisms break down organic matter + Oxygen -> CO2 + Water + Energy.
What are the steps of anaerobic decomposition?
Microorganisms break down organic matter -> Methane (CH4) + CO2 + Other gases.
Describe the process by which lightning strikes generate NOx.
High temperatures from lightning cause rapid oxidation of nitrogen and oxygen, creating NOx.
Describe the process by which plants release VOCs.
Plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during photosynthesis.
Define Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
A major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Define Particulate Matter (PM).
Tiny particles in the air, like dust, soot, or smoke.
Define VOCs.
Volatile Organic Compounds; contribute to smog and ozone formation.
Define NOx.
Nitrogen oxides; contribute to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone.
Define Aerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, releasing CO2.
Define Anaerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, releasing methane (CH4) and CO2.
Define SO2.
Sulfur dioxide; contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems.
Define Greenhouse Gas.
A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Define Respiration.
Process where living organisms convert food into energy, releasing CO2.
Define Global Warming.
The long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.
