Chemistry 3650
Environmental Chemistry
Second Take-Home Examination
Due 1:20 p.m., (in class) Wednesday, April 11, 2007

You will have one week to complete this examination. The examination is to be turned in with homework problems.

Each part of the examination will be worth 25 % points, that is, 25% for the homework, plus 25% each for three essay questions, equals a total of 100%.

You may use any resources you feel is necessary to answer the questions. The first two essay questions can be answered using only your text book. The last question will require that you find, read, and interpret an article from the popular literature. You may also have to do some additional reading outside the text to gather the information required.

1. Acid Rain. Describe acid rain. Be sure to answer the following questions in your description; what are the main sources of compounds resulting in acid precipitation? What chemical processes take place prior to acid precipitation? What parts of the world are most susceptible to environmental change due to acid precipitation? Why are they susceptible?

2. Global Warming. Global warming is thought to result from an imbalance between the solar radiation received by the earth and that lost back into space. Describe the difference between the solar radiation and the radiation leaving our planet. Why is infrared, 10 um emission thought to be most important in this energy balance process? How do trace gas species influence the atmosphere’s temperature? What are the some of the predicted consequences of global warming?

3. Literature interpretation.

1. Find an article in the popular literature (e.g., newspaper, web, magazine, etc.) concerning some aspect of atmospheric chemistry and/or global change that interests you. The more “popular” the better. Newspapers are best. If your choice cannot be interpreted as described below, choose another.
2. Read and dissect the article. Note the scientific facts, emotional statements, and subjective or circumstantial statements. Make a list of what you perceive are the scientific, emotional, and circumstantial statements.
3. From your list of reported scientific fact, write a short summary of the important chemistry that may be taking place.
4. Speculate on the intent behind the article. For example, was it written to inform the reader about the science or induce concern or even fear over the issue and its consequences? Give evidence for your analysis from the list of scientific, emotional, and circumstantial statements.
5. Point out any tendency for emotional statements concerning environmental issues that are beyond one’s control.
6. Finally, turn in your analysis, a copy of the article, and list any resources you used.

4. Homework Turn in the following homework assignments with your examination.

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