AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in humans…
Full specification wording
Properties and effects of atmospheric pollutants: Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in humans and cause acid rain.
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are acidic gases released when fuels burn.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are acidic gases released when fuels burn. Sulfur dioxide comes from sulfur impurities in fuels such as coal and oil, while oxides of nitrogen form when nitrogen and oxygen in the air react at high temperatures in engines and furnaces. Both gases irritate the airways and can worsen respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. They also dissolve in atmospheric water and react to form acidic solutions, which fall as acid rain. Acid rain can damage trees, acidify lakes and soils, and corrode buildings and statues made from limestone or marble. Reducing these emissions involves using low-sulfur fuels, removing sulfur from flue gases, and using catalytic converters.
What earns the marks
- Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen both cause respiratory problems in humans.
- Sulfur dioxide is produced from sulfur impurities in fuels.
- Oxides of nitrogen are produced when nitrogen and oxygen from the air react at high temperatures.
- Acid rain can damage ecosystems, including trees and lakes, and can corrode stone buildings.
- Reducing emissions can involve low-sulfur fuels, flue-gas desulfurisation or catalytic converters.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying sulfur dioxide causes global dimming.
Put it right: Particulates cause global dimming, while sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause acid rain and respiratory problems.
Confusing the sources of the two gases.
Put it right: Sulfur dioxide comes from sulfur impurities in fuel, while oxides of nitrogen come from high-temperature reaction of air.
Thinking acid rain is directly acidic when it falls.
Put it right: The gases dissolve in water and react to form acidic solutions.
Believing only humans are affected.
Put it right: Acid rain also damages plants, soils, lakes and buildings.
Exam tips
- Name both effects for each gas: respiratory problems and acid rain.
- Distinguish the sources clearly: sulfur impurities for sulfur dioxide, high temperature for oxides of nitrogen.
- When describing acid rain, mention that the gases dissolve in water and form acidic solutions.
- Use examples of acid rain damage such as corroding limestone buildings or harming trees and fish.
Try the lesson
The start of the Properties and effects of atmospheric pollutants: Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in humans and cause acid rain. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which two gases are described as causing respiratory problems in humans and acid rain?
Listen
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are acidic gases released when fuels burn. Sulfur dioxide comes from sulfur impurities in fuels such as coal and oil, while oxides of nitrogen form when nitrogen and oxygen in the air react at high temperatures in engines and furnaces. Both gases irritate the airways and can worsen respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. They also dissolve in atmospheric water and react to form acidic solutions, which fall as acid rain. Acid rain can damage trees, acidify lakes and soils, and corrode buildings and statues made from limestone or marble. Reducing these emissions involves using low-sulfur fuels, removing sulfur from flue gases, and using catalytic converters. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen both cause respiratory problems in humans. Sulfur dioxide is produced from sulfur impurities in fuels. Oxides of nitrogen are produced when nitrogen and oxygen from the air react at high temperatures. Acid rain can damage ecosystems, including trees and lakes, and can corrode stone buildings. A common slip: Saying sulfur dioxide causes global dimming. Instead, particulates cause global dimming, while sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause acid rain and respiratory problems. Exam tip: Name both effects for each gas: respiratory problems and acid rain.
Key words
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Acidic gas pollution
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Human health
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Environmental damage
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Emission control
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See every definition
- Acidic gas pollution
- Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are acidic gases released when fuels burn, and they cause respiratory problems and acid rain.
- Human health
- Both gases irritate the airways and can worsen respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Environmental damage
- Acid rain can damage trees, acidify lakes and soils, and corrode buildings and statues made from limestone or marble.
- Emission control
- Reducing these emissions involves using low-sulfur fuels, removing sulfur from flue gases, and using catalytic converters.
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