Solved: Figure 1: Concentration of atmospheric pollutants associated with photochemical... [IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS)]

Solved: Figure 1: Concentration of atmospheric pollutants associated with photochemical... [IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS)] | RevisionDojo

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Question

SLPaper 2

Figure 1: Concentration of atmospheric pollutants associated
with photochemical smog

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Typical-variation-of-nitrogen-oxides-hydrocarbons-carbon-monoxide-and-ozone-in-urban_fig16_268261225

Identify one primary pollutant from the pollutants shown in Figure 1.

[1]

Verified

Solution

$NO$ / $NO_2$ /hydrocarbons 1 mark

Outline why the pollutant named in Part 1 is referred to as a primary pollutant.

[1]

Verified

Solution

impacts environment directly on emission / undergoes no chemical change before impacting environment / is active on emission 1 mark

Note: Even if response to 3(a)(i) is wrong full credit (ECF) can be given for appropriate definition of primary pollutant.

Outline one reason why there is an increase in nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons early in the day.

[1]

Verified

Solution

increase in fossil fuel combustion/increased traffic/transport/industry/power plants 1 mark

Explain the changes in ozone concentration over the period shown in Figure 1.

[3]

Verified

Solution

Award 1 mark for each relevant answer, 3 marks max:

ozone is (a secondary pollutant) produced from nitrogen oxides/NOx reacting with oxygen;
it increases as more $NO_x$ accumulates in atmosphere due to human activity/fossil fuel use;
sunlight/heat catalyses this reaction so it increases towards midday;
later, ozone decreases due to dispersal by wind/less fossil fuel use/light becoming less intense;

Note: Do not credit any further detail of chemical process of ozone formation.

State one environmental impact of the accumulation of ozone shown in Figure 1.

[1]

Verified

Solution

Award 1 mark max for any of the following:

damages plants (crops and forests) / reduces photosynthesis/plant growth;
increase susceptibility to diseases/other pollutants;
habitat deterioration;
change in water and nutrient cycles;
loss of biodiversity;
impacts human health e.g. eye irritation/respiratory illness;
damages fabrics and rubber materials;
contributes to global warming/climate change / adverse weather;

Note: Do not credit responses that address ozone depletion.

Outline two local conditions that may increase the severity of photochemical smog.

[2]

Verified

Solution

Award 1 mark for each of the following, 2 marks max:

low-lying topography/valley/mountains/high-rise buildings;
low windspeed/air movement;
thermal inversion / hot humid days;
high population density/heavy use of fossil fuels;
cities closer to equator get more intense sunlight;

Outline the role of catalytic converters in reducing photochemical smog.

[1]

Verified

Solution

conversion/reduction of nitrogen oxides/carbon monoxide/hydrocarbons from cars 1 mark

Environmental systems and societies (ESS) International Baccalaureate (IB) Practice Question: Figure 1: Concentration of atmospheric pollutants associated with photochemical smog Source: https://www.researchgate.ne...