Environmental Chemistry
About this topic
This culminating topic applies chemical principles to understand and address environmental issues, a core aspect of the competence-based Zambian curriculum. You will analyze the role of chemistry in sustaining the environment, investigate pollution control (air, water, soil), explore the chemistry of climate change and the ozone layer, and examine sustainable agriculture and water management. This topic integrates knowledge from all previous forms and emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving regarding real challenges in Zambia and globally. ECZ examinations increasingly include questions on environmental chemistry, testing your ability to apply chemical knowledge to societal and ecological contexts, making thorough revision essential.
What you'll practise (6 questions)
- The ozone layer is important because it... A) is used as a substitute for oxygen for our survival B) protects us from global warming which leads to adverse effects C) protects us from the greenhouse effects D) traps the ultra-violet radiation which may lead to skin cancer
- Write a balanced chemical equation for the formation of sulphuric acid by reaction of water with sulphur dioxide and atmospheric oxygen.
- State one hazardous effect of acid rain on the environment.
- Name a pollutant gas which is produced when zinc blende is roasted in air.
- Describe how the named pollutant (sulphur dioxide) is converted to a useful product in industry.
- Which of the following is the reason carbon monoxide is said to pollute the environment?
Answer each question above to see the correct answer and a full explanation.