Nitric oxide

Definition

Nitric oxide is a colorless gas that plays a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry and acts as a significant air pollutant. It is produced from both natural sources and human activities, particularly from combustion processes like those in vehicles and power plants. In the atmosphere, nitric oxide can react with other compounds to form nitrogen dioxide, which contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain, affecting air quality and public health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nitric oxide is primarily produced by motor vehicles, industrial activities, and power generation, making it a major component of urban air pollution.
2. In the atmosphere, nitric oxide reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide, which is a precursor to ozone formation at ground level.
3. Exposure to high levels of nitric oxide can lead to respiratory problems and aggravate existing health conditions like asthma.
4. Nitric oxide plays a significant role in atmospheric chemistry by participating in reactions that affect the lifetime and distribution of other pollutants.
5. The reduction of nitric oxide emissions is critical for improving air quality and achieving compliance with air quality standards set by environmental regulations.

Review Questions

• How does nitric oxide contribute to air pollution and what are its primary sources?
  • Nitric oxide contributes to air pollution mainly through emissions from vehicles, industrial processes, and power generation. These activities release significant amounts of nitric oxide into the atmosphere, where it can react with other compounds to form nitrogen dioxide. This process exacerbates air quality issues, leading to harmful effects on human health and the environment.
• Discuss the chemical reactions involving nitric oxide that lead to the formation of other pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
  • When nitric oxide is released into the atmosphere, it quickly reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This nitrogen dioxide can then participate in further reactions involving sunlight, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone (O3). Both nitrogen dioxide and ozone are major components of smog, highlighting how nitric oxide plays a pivotal role in secondary pollutant formation.
• Evaluate the impact of nitric oxide emissions on public health and environmental policies aimed at reducing air pollution.
  • The impact of nitric oxide emissions on public health is significant, as exposure can lead to respiratory issues and exacerbate conditions like asthma. This has prompted governments and organizations to implement environmental policies aimed at reducing these emissions through stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial discharges. By targeting nitric oxide reduction, these policies aim not only to improve air quality but also to protect public health and comply with international air quality standards.

Related terms

Nitrogen Dioxide: A reddish-brown gas formed from the oxidation of nitric oxide, known for its role as a harmful air pollutant that contributes to respiratory issues and environmental problems.

Ozone: A reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms, found in the stratosphere where it protects against UV radiation but also acts as a pollutant at ground level, linked to smog formation.

Particulate Matter: A mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air that can originate from various sources including combustion and industrial processes, contributing to air pollution and health issues.