Atmospheric pollutants
I can describe how pollutants can be produced by impurities in fuels and by incomplete combustion.
Atmospheric pollutants
I can describe how pollutants can be produced by impurities in fuels and by incomplete combustion.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
- Carbon particulates contribute to health issues and global dimming.
- Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are formed through burning fuels, and form acids in water.
- Catalytic converters help complete combustion reactions and the removal of nitrogen monoxide from exhaust gases.
- Hydrogen can be used as a fuel in cars and this has advantages and disadvantages.
Keywords
Pollutant - a substance that causes damage to air, water or land
Greenhouse gas - a gas that contributes to global warming by reducing the amount of radiation leaving Earth’s atmosphere
Particulates - tiny solid particles such as soot (C) that can be found in air pollution
Global dimming - a reduction in the amount of radiation reaching Earth’s surface caused by particulates in the atmosphere
Catalytic converter - a device, containing catalysts, that helps reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from car exhausts
Common misconception
Only industrial activities contribute to atmospheric pollution. Atmospheric pollutants are always visible.
Discuss natural sources of pollutants, like volcanoes. Explain that many harmful pollutants are invisible.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Atmospheric pollutants , download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Atmospheric pollutants , download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Atmosphere and changing climate unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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