# Explain how carbon particulates and sulfur dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels, each harm the environment or human health.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.9.3 Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Carbon particulates cause global dimming
2. Global dimming is a reduction in the amount of (sun)light reaching the Earth's surface
3. Sulfur dioxide dissolves in rainwater / reacts with water to form acid rain
4. Acid rain damages / kills trees, harms aquatic life, or damages buildings / statues

## Key terms

- [carbon particulates](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbon-particulates)
- [sulfur dioxide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sulfur-dioxide)
- [fossil fuels](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fossil-fuels)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-carbon-particulates-and-sulfur-77ac50b6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.