7–10% of the AP exam. Key topics: Primary air pollutants (CO, SO2, NOx, VOCs, particulate matter, lead), Secondary air pollutants (tropospheric ozone, sulfuric acid, nitric acid), Photochemical smog formation: NOx + VOCs + sunlight → tropospheric ozone, Thermal inversions and their effect on pollution concentration, Atmospheric CO2 trends and sources, Indoor air pollutants: radon, asbestos, VOCs, carbon monoxide, Clean Air Act (1970, amended 1990): criteria pollutants and NAAQS, Acid deposition: formation, transport, and ecological effects, Noise pollution and its health impacts.
Study guide content for this unit is being prepared. Check back soon for complete lesson notes, formula sheets, and worked examples.
