Physics/Environmental
Chemistry Seminars
Marsha
I. Lester
Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Professor in the Natural Sciences
Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania
Physics
Seminar at Mercer University |
Free
Public Lecture at Wesleyan College |
Free radicals, in particular HOx
and NOx radicals, play a prominent role in the chemistry of the lower
atmosphere. For example, hydroxyl radicals (OH) are often known as the
troposphere’s “detergent” because they break down most trace constituents of the
atmosphere. More generally, these radicals are involved in the
oxidation of volatile organic compounds, the formation of photochemical smog,
the production of acid rain, and the catalytic destruction of ozone in the
stratosphere. This lecture will cover key chemical reactions associated
with the very complex chemistry of the lower atmosphere, and touch on current
policy-related work with regard to air pollution regulation and
abatement. In addition, the presentation will focus on a new view of
the mechanism for one of the most important reactions in the lower
atmosphere, the conversion of OH and NO2 radicals into stable nitric acid
(HNO3), which is expected to have a profound impact on atmospheric models of
HOx and NOx chemistry. |
Please join us for
light refreshments at 3:30pm outside WSC 109.