Volatile organic compound

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/volatile-organic-compound

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the chemical classification?Organic compounds characterized by high vapor pressure and low boiling points
2. What is the anthropogenic emission sources?Consumer products (cleaning supplies, paints, cosmetics), building materials, vehicles, and industrial processes
3. What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?VOCs are tiny carbon‑based molecules that easily turn into gas because they have a high vapor pressure. They can come from flowers, toys, and many everyday products. They travel through the air and can be smelled or not.
4. Why do plants release VOCs?Plants use VOCs to talk to each other and to animals. They send sweet scents to attract pollinators, and they release warning smells when they are hurt by insects, so nearby plants can get ready or call for help.

Vapor Pressure: The pressure exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases at a given temperature.
Organic Chemistry: The branch of chemistry that studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds.
Atmospheric Chemistry: The study of the chemical processes that occur in the Earth's atmosphere, including the formation of pollutants.