AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Properties and effects of atmospheric pollutants: Particulates cause global dimming and health problems for humans.
Particulates are tiny solid particles and droplets released into the air, largely from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, especially diesel engines, and from industrial processes.
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Particulates are tiny solid particles and droplets released into the air, largely from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, especially diesel engines, and from industrial processes. Because they are so small, particulates can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they irritate lung tissue and can worsen asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems; some carry harmful chemicals. Particulates also affect climate: they reflect incoming sunlight back into space and can act as cloud condensation nuclei, making clouds more reflective. Together these effects reduce the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface, a phenomenon called global dimming. Reducing particulate emissions involves cleaner fuels, filters and better engine design.
What earns the marks
- Particulates are tiny solid particles or droplets released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and by some industrial processes.
- Their small size allows them to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they irritate tissue and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.
- Particulates reflect sunlight back into space and can increase cloud formation, reducing the sunlight reaching Earth's surface.
- Lower particulate emissions can be achieved with cleaner fuels, particulate filters and improved engine design.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing particulates with greenhouse gases.
Put it right: Particulates are solid particles or droplets, not gases such as carbon dioxide.
Saying particulates cause global warming.
Put it right: Their main climatic effect described here is global dimming, which reduces sunlight reaching the surface.
Claiming particulates only affect the environment and not people.
Put it right: They also cause serious human health problems when inhaled.
Exam tips
- Define particulates as tiny solid particles or droplets before describing their effects.
- Separate the two effects clearly: one paragraph or sentence for health, one for global dimming.
- Link global dimming to reflection of sunlight and cloud formation rather than to trapping heat.
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
Which effect on the amount of sunlight reaching the ground is caused by particulates in the atmosphere?
Listen
Particulates are tiny solid particles and droplets released into the air, largely from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, especially diesel engines, and from industrial processes. Because they are so small, particulates can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they irritate lung tissue and can worsen asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems; some carry harmful chemicals. Particulates also affect climate: they reflect incoming sunlight back into space and can act as cloud condensation nuclei, making clouds more reflective. Together these effects reduce the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface, a phenomenon called global dimming. Reducing particulate emissions involves cleaner fuels, filters and better engine design. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Particulates are tiny solid particles or droplets released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and by some industrial processes. Their small size allows them to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they irritate tissue and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. Particulates reflect sunlight back into space and can increase cloud formation, reducing the sunlight reaching Earth's surface. Lower particulate emissions can be achieved with cleaner fuels, particulate filters and improved engine design. A common slip: Confusing particulates with greenhouse gases. Instead, particulates are solid particles or droplets, not gases such as carbon dioxide. Exam tip: Define particulates as tiny solid particles or droplets before describing their effects.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Particulates
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Global dimming
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See every definition
- Particulates
- Tiny solid particles or droplets released into the air, largely from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and from industrial processes.
- Global dimming
- A phenomenon where the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface is reduced, as particulates reflect sunlight back into space and increase cloud formation.
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