CSE331&20331 Tutorial 2

DONG Shuhao(ZS962)
shuhao.dong@connect.polyu.hk
 Quick Review

Introduction to the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere 2

• Photochemical oxidants
• Ozone formation mechanism
• Photochemical Smog
• Particulate Matter
Unit conversion

※Unit conversion
➢1 ton = kg = g= mg= µg
➢1 m = cm = mm = µm = nm
➢1 m2= cm2
➢1 m3 = cm3
➢1 KPa = hPa = Pa
➢1 atm = Pa = hPa= mmHg
➢1 mole of gas X = molecules of gas X
Answer

※Unit conversion
➢1 ton = 1× 103 kg = 1× 106 g = 1× 109 mg= 1× 1012 µg
➢1 m = 100 cm = 1× 103 mm = 1× 106 µm = 1× 109 nm
➢1 m2= 1× 104 cm2
➢1 m3 = 1× 106 cm3
➢1 KPa = 10 hPa = 1000 Pa
➢1 atm = 101325 Pa = 1013.25 hPa= 760mmHg
➢1 mole of gas X = 6.02× 1023 molecules of gas X
Practice

Q1: What is a main product of reactions that involve

VOCs and NOx and sunlight?

Q2: What are photochemical oxidants?

Q3: Describe types, uses, emissions, and environmental

concerns associated with halogenated hydrocarbons.

photochemical oxidant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2sHIyvN0aE
Answer
1. Ozone (lecture 2-5, 6)
2. Photochemical oxidants are oxidizing compounds such as O3, NO2,
PAN, etc. that are produced as a result of photochemical reactions.)
3. Halogenated hydrocarbons are substances that contain Cl, Br, F, or
some combination of these. Many are used as solvents, some as
refrigerants and foam-blowing agents, others are fire suppressing
chemicals, etc. They are released fugitively into the environment. On
decomposition in the stratosphere, Cl and Br destroy O3.

If you are interested in this section, you can look though this web to learn more
http://www.apis.ac.uk/overview/issues/overview_PhotoOx.htm
Q4: Sink processes involve the conversion of substances to more chemically stable substances. What
is the final chemical form to which the following pollutants are converted: SO2, H2S, O3, and NO2?

4. Respectively, these are SO42-, SO42-, O2, and

NO3-.

(lecture 2-13)
Q5: Distinguish between ultrafine, Aitken nuclei, and accumulation mode particles.
A:
Ultrafine particles have particle diameters <0.01μm, Aitken nuclei are 0.01-0.1 μm, and accumulation
mode particles are 0.1-1 μm.

(lecture 2-27, 28)

Q6: Hydrocarbons have a significant role in tropospheric ozone
chemistry because
A. they break down nitrogen dioxide to produce ozone

B. hydrocarbon free radicals react with nitric oxide to produce nitrogen dioxide and
decrease the scavenging effect of nitric oxide

C. they interfere with ozone production

(lecture 2-11)
Q7: What are the unique characteristics of Los Angeles-type smog?
A:
Los Angeles-type smog is a photochemical smog produced by chemical
reactions involving sunlight, NOx, and hydrocarbons. It is brownish in
color. (lecture 2-10)
Q8: Describe the relative success of regulatory programs in reducing emissions of
CO, NOx, sulfur dioxide, PM10 (RSP) and VOCs from 1990 to 2005 in Hong Kong.
• SO2 emission has been reduced ~51%; CO: ~44%; NOx: ~48%; RSP: ~55%;
VOCs: ~35%

(lecture 2-52~58)
 Exercises

Q1. A China coal is burned at a rate of 1.00 kg/second. If the analysis of the coal
reveals a sulfur content of 3.00%, what is the annual rate of emission of SO2?
(The sulfur in the ash is 5% of input sulfur. Atomic weight of sulfur = 32;
Oxygen = 16) {Mass balance}

Q2: Transportation is currently the major source of which of the primary

pollutants?

Q3: Describe the relative significance of emissions of SO2 to the atmosphere.

Mass balance
• A1：
Sin = Sash + Sgas
Sin = 1.00*0.03 = 0.03 kg/s = 0.03kg/s
In a year, Sin =0.030 kg/s *86400 s/d*365 d/y =9.46*105 kg/y *Unit conversion
Sash =(0.05)*(9.46*105 kg/y) =4.73*104 kg/y
Sgas = Sin – Sash = 9.46*105-4.73*104 =8.99*105 kg/y
S+O2→SO2
SSO2 =64/32*(8.99*105 kg/y)=1797552 kg/y （or mole/y）
SSO2 = [ (1.00*0.03)*(1-5%)]kg/s* 86400 s/d*365 d/y * 64/ 32=1797552 kg/y
Output:
S+O2→SO2 Ash
5%
Burning
Output:
95% 14
Transportation is currently the major source of which of the primary
pollutants?
A2： NOx, CO and HCs …

Describe the relative significance of emissions of SO2 to the atmosphere.

A3:
Your answer should mention the major sources of SO2 and the significant impacts of it. For example, sulfur
dioxide is an atmospheric pollutant that can adversely affect humans, plants, and materials. On conversion to
H2SO4, it is the major contributor to acidic deposition and visibility reduction.
Tutorial 2 CSE331&20331

DONG Shuhao(ZS962)
shuhao.dong@connect.polyu.hk