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Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution

Telangana Open School (TOSS) · Class 12 · Chemistry

Quick revision notes for Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution — Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

45 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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Key Topics to Revise

1

What is a Heavy Metal?

  • A heavy metal has a density greater than 5 g/cm³.
  • Examples include lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and zinc (Zn).
  • Heavy metals with atomic number greater than 20 are considered heavy metals.
2

Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination

  • Natural sources: Volcanic eruptions, rock weathering, leaching into water bodies.
  • Anthropogenic sources: Mining, smelting, fossil fuel burning, industrial and domestic waste, pesticides, vehicle exhausts.
  • Soil absorbs heavy metals from water and industrial runoff.
3

Toxic Effects of Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium

  • Lead (Pb): Found in petrol (as tetraethyl lead), paints, pipes, batteries. Causes brain damage, anemia, and kidney issues. Accumulates in bones.
  • Mercury (Hg): Exists as metallic, inorganic, and organic (methylmercury). Methylmercury is most toxic. Causes Minamata disease — symptoms include vision loss, paralysis, mental retardation.
  • Cadmium (Cd): Resembles zinc chemically. Causes 'Itai-Itai' disease in Japan. Leads to kidney damage, bone pain, and high blood pressure.
4

Preventive and Control Measures for Heavy Metals

  • Public awareness about health hazards of heavy metals.
  • Proper industrial waste treatment and effluent control.
  • Government penalties for illegal dumping.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

A heavy metal is defined asBioaccumulation refers to the gradual buildupHeavy metals enter the environment throughRadioactive pollution occurs when radioactive elementsIonizing radiation can cause both genetic

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution for Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry?
Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution covers several key topics that are frequently asked in Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution — Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 45 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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