Photochemical smog
Definition
Photochemical smog is an atmospheric condition caused by chemical reactions between sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It results in hazy, brownish-colored air containing high levels of ozone near ground level.
Related terms
Ozone depletion: The reduction in ozone concentration in Earth's stratosphere due to human-made substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and contribute to photochemical smog formation.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Gases produced by combustion processes such as vehicle emissions or industrial activities that contribute to the formation of photochemical smog.
"Photochemical smog" appears in:
Study guides (1)
AP Environmental Science - 7.2 Photochemical Smog
Additional resources (3)
AP Environmental Science - 2024 AP Environmental Science Exam Guide
AP Environmental Science - Unit 7 Overview: Atmospheric Pollution
AP Environmental Science - Major Environmental Disasters
Practice Questions (12)
Which is a respiratory irritant and can worsen the effects of photochemical smog?
What is the correlation between temperature inversion and photochemical smog?
Which is a primary compound related to photochemical smog?
Which is an effect of photochemical smog?
What is a human health effect of photochemical smog?
Which is a secondary pollutant in photochemical smog?
What type of conditions helps increase photochemical smog production?
What is the primary effect of sunlight in photochemical smog?
How does photochemical smog affect vegetation?
Why is photochemical smog more prevalent in urban locations?
What is an attribute of photochemical smog?
What is the reason for the brownish color that photochemical smog has?
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
Stay Connected
© 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.
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 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.