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This PowerPoint lesson introduces students to the topic of atmospheric pollutants, exploring their sources, the chemical reactions involved in their production, and their impacts on human health and the environment. It is tailored for the AQA GCSE Combined Science Chemistry specification and offers a range of tasks to engage students in understanding the science and consequences of air pollution.

An atmospheric pollutant is any substance released into the air that can harm living organisms or the environment. Many pollutants originate from the combustion of fossil fuels. This lesson covers the key pollutants released during combustion: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulates. It explains how these substances are formed under complete or incomplete combustion and why the fuel composition (e.g. sulfur content) matters. Students are introduced to word and symbol equations for relevant combustion reactions, helping them connect chemical principles to real-world contexts.

The lesson explores how carbon dioxide contributes to global climate change, how sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain and breathing problems, and how carbon monoxide and particulates pose serious health risks. Students learn why fuels contain sulfur, how engine temperatures affect nitrogen oxide formation, and what factors cause incomplete combustion.

This fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) includes diagrams, key vocabulary, mini-whiteboard questions, and exam-style written questions with model answers. Students also complete a comparison table.

Updated in May 2025, this resource is ideal for lesson delivery, revision, or independent learning and provides a clear and engaging approach to teaching pollution and combustion chemistry. Download now to enhance your chemistry lessons on the impact of fossil fuel use.