Chemistry of the environment

Topics

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Water: Identify chemical tests to detect water using anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride and anhydrous copper(II) sulfate.
• Water: Explain how to assess the purity of water by measuring its melting point and boiling point.
• Fertilisers: Identify that ammonium salts and nitrates serve as fertilisers.
• Fertilisers: Explain how NPK fertilisers supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to enhance plant growth.
• Air quality and climate: Identify the makeup of clean, dry air, which consists of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and a small amount of noble gases and carbon dioxide.
• Air quality and climate: Identify the origins of various air pollutants, including: (a) carbon dioxide from burning carbon-based fuels, (b) carbon monoxide and particulates from incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, (c) methane from decaying vegetation and animal digestion, (d) nitrogen oxides from vehicle engines, and (e) sulfur dioxide from burning fossil fuels containing sulfur.