This section focuses on water and air, the key ingredients of the environment. You will learn about the chemical nature of the environmental issues facing the world today. The pollution of water supplies, whether by plastics, detergents or fertilizers, are addressed. Air quality, and the climate more generally, are also addressed, including the causes of global warming and the impact of acid rain. There are strong links to Section 11, Organic chemistry, through the issues related to the combustion of hydrocarbon, non-renewable fuels. In addition, the nature of some of the atmospheric pollutants will link to work in Section 7, Acids, bases and salts. There will be a strong focus on the strategies that can be used to reduce the effects on the climate of global warming and atmospheric pollution. Starting points 1. Do you know the common test used to identify the presence of water? 2. Can you name some of the main gases in clean, dry air? 3. Can you name some of the gases that cause pollution in the air? 4. Do you know about the greenhouse effect? If so, can you explain what it is?
SYLLABUS SECTIONS COVERED 10.1 Water 10.2 Fertilisers 10.3 Air quality and climate
283988 IGCSE Chemistry SB_CH10.indd 264
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