AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Particulates cause global dimming and health problems for humans.
Full specification wording
Properties and effects of atmospheric pollutants: Particulates cause global dimming and health problems for humans.
Particulates are tiny solid particles, mainly soot and unburnt carbon, released by incomplete combustion of fuels.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 4
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Particulates are tiny solid particles, mainly soot and unburnt carbon, released by incomplete combustion of fuels. They remain suspended in the air and can be carried long distances. In the atmosphere they reflect sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of light reaching the Earth's surface; this effect is called global dimming. When inhaled, particulates can penetrate deep into the lungs and are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems, including asthma, bronchitis and heart disease. Reducing particulates involves ensuring complete combustion, using cleaner fuels and fitting filters or traps to exhausts.
What earns the marks
- Particulates are tiny solid particles, often soot or unburnt carbon, from incomplete combustion.
- Particulates cause global dimming by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth's surface.
- Inhaled particulates can cause or worsen respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.
- Reducing particulates involves complete combustion, cleaner fuels or exhaust filters.
- Global dimming reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing particulates with gases such as carbon monoxide.
Put it right: Particulates are solid particles, while carbon monoxide is a gas.
Saying particulates cause acid rain.
Put it right: Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause acid rain, while particulates cause global dimming and health problems.
Thinking global dimming means the Earth gets hotter.
Put it right: It reduces sunlight reaching the surface.
Believing particulates only affect the lungs.
Put it right: They are also linked to cardiovascular problems.
Exam tips
- Define particulates as solid particles such as soot from incomplete combustion.
- Link particulates to two effects: global dimming and human health problems.
- Explain global dimming as reflection of sunlight away from the Earth's surface.
- Mention that smaller particulates can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Try the lesson
The start of the Properties and effects of atmospheric pollutants: Particulates cause global dimming and health problems for humans. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What two environmental and health effects are caused by particulates in the atmosphere?
Listen
Particulates are tiny solid particles, mainly soot and unburnt carbon, released by incomplete combustion of fuels. They remain suspended in the air and can be carried long distances. In the atmosphere they reflect sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of light reaching the Earth's surface; this effect is called global dimming. When inhaled, particulates can penetrate deep into the lungs and are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems, including asthma, bronchitis and heart disease. Reducing particulates involves ensuring complete combustion, using cleaner fuels and fitting filters or traps to exhausts. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Particulates are tiny solid particles, often soot or unburnt carbon, from incomplete combustion. Particulates cause global dimming by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth's surface. Inhaled particulates can cause or worsen respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. Reducing particulates involves complete combustion, cleaner fuels or exhaust filters. A common slip: Confusing particulates with gases such as carbon monoxide. Instead, particulates are solid particles, while carbon monoxide is a gas. Exam tip: Define particulates as solid particles such as soot from incomplete combustion.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Particulate pollution
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Global dimming
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Particulate pollution
- Tiny solid particles, mainly soot and unburnt carbon, released by incomplete combustion of fuels and able to remain suspended in the air.
- Global dimming
- The effect where particulates in the atmosphere reflect sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of light reaching the Earth's surface.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Properties and effects of atmospheric pollutants: Particulates cause global dimming and health problems for humans.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge