Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas that forms when nitrogen oxide reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere. It is primarily released from vehicle emissions and industrial processes and contributes to smog formation.
Think of nitrogen dioxide as an unwanted guest at a party who brings along their rowdy friends. They create chaos by making noise, polluting the air with smoke from cigarettes they keep lighting up inside.
Smog: A type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of smoke and fog. It often occurs in urban areas with high levels of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide.
Acid rain: Rainfall that has become acidic due to atmospheric pollution containing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. It can harm ecosystems by damaging plants, aquatic life, and buildings.
Photochemical reactions: Chemical reactions that occur in the presence of sunlight. Nitrogen dioxide is involved in photochemical reactions that produce ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.