IB MYP Integrated Sciences e-Assessment : Particles and kinetic theory
Exam Style Practice Questions - New Syllabus
Question (2 marks)
Pollutants in the air come from many different sources. Small particles are one type of pollutant. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres $(\mu \mathrm{m})$ known as $\mathrm{PM}_{2.5}$ are particularly dangerous as they are too small to see or feel but they can cause serious health problems. The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale is used by health authorities to inform people of the levels of $\mathrm{PM}_{2.5}$ in the air. The AQI relates air quality to concentration of particles in the air. Different countries, however, use different concentrations of $\mathrm{PM}_{2.5}$ for the scale.
The graphic below shows the AQI scale used in two countries, Country A and Country B
Suggest two sources of air pollution.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Vehicle Emissions: Exhaust gases from cars, trucks, and motorcycles release pollutants like particulate matter \($\mathrm{PM}_{2.5}$\), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants emit smoke, soot, and other pollutants, contributing significantly to air pollution.