Chemical Reactions

The transformation of substances through chemical reactions is also considered, by some professionals, a removal mechanism. If two substances react with one another, they are, in a sense, removed because the original substances no longer exist. In the case of acid rain, sulfur dioxide (SO2) combines with moisture to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4). When this reaction occurs, the sulfur and oxygen are not removed, rather, they exist as sulfuric acid. The sulfur dioxide, however, no longer exists.

The reader is reminded that photolysis is also an important consideration in any discussion of chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Pollutants can be removed by sunlight, not just by reactions with other gases. You might recall that ozone photolysis results in the formation of atomic and molecular oxygen, in both ground and excited states. Photolytic reactions also are responsible for the formation of free radicals, of significant importance in atmospheric chemistry.
Quick Quiz: Chemical transformations are considered to be what type of process?
catalytic mechanism
removal mechanism
oxidation mechanism
reduction mechanism

Confused? Have a question? If so, check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or send mail to the OS411 tutor (os411tutor@shodor.org) with your question!
Report technical/content problems here