Chapter 25
Chemistry and the Real World
By Boundless
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11034/square/top-of-atmosphere.jpeg)
The Earth's atmosphere is a layer of mixed gases that is trapped near the surface due to gravitational forces.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11774/square/aurora-borealis-poster.jpeg)
Aurora borealis and australis are glowing sky phenomena that occur when charged particles from the sun excite atmospheric molecules.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11778/square/sts062-42-026.jpeg)
The glow observed as a space shuttle re-enters the atmosphere is due to excited NO2 releasing light to return to its ground state.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/24986/square/60658main2-ozone-large-350.jpg)
Chlorofluorocarbons have disrupted stratospheric ozone generation, resulting in a thinning of the ozone layer at the poles.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/12331/square/pinatubo-ash-plume-910612.jpeg)
Volcanoes can cause environmental damage due to the hot lava, ash, and gases that are released during an eruption.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/12430/raw/the-green-house-effect.jpg)
The greenhouse effect is an elevation in surface temperatures due to atmospheric gases absorbing and re-radiating thermal energy.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/30102/square/claude_monet_015.jpg)
Photochemical smog forms when primary pollutants react with ultraviolet light to create a variety of toxic and reactive compounds.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/12334/square/radon.jpeg)
Radon gas, the result of radium's radioactive decay, can severely compromise indoor air quality.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/12332/square/carbon-monoxide-3d-vdw.jpg)
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are products of combustion reactions; in large amounts, carbon monoxide can cause suffocation.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/12335/raw/formaldehyde-2d.jpg)
Formaldehyde, the simplest aldehyde, is a common component in building and household materials, and is highly toxic.