Atmospheric reactions recycling this species allow its concentration to remain steady despite the rise in global methane emissions. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name this most important oxidant in Earth’s atmosphere.
ANSWER: hydroxyl radical [or •OH; accept hydridooxygen(•) or oxidanyl]
[10h] Photolysis of this compound is a key source of hydroxyl radicals, especially in polluted urban areas. The sources for this compound in the atmosphere are not currently understood, but potential sources include combustion of fossil fuels as well as heterogeneous reactions on surfaces and soot.
ANSWER: HONO [or nitrous acid or HNO2]
[10e] Hydroxyl radicals degrade this class of compounds that react with NOx molecules to produce photochemical smog. This class of compounds are defined by, and named for, having a high vapor pressure at room temperature.
ANSWER: VOCs [or volatile organic compounds]
<Jonathen Settle, Earth Science>