C-8 Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
Percentage was nitrogen in the early atmosphere
3%
Why did nitrogen levels increase and what did they increased to
They increase because the volcanoes released nitrogen
The Earth is now 78% nitrogen
What percentage was carbon dioxide in the early atmosphere
97%
Why did carbon dioxide levels Decrease and what they Decrease to
Photosynthesis exchanged the CO2 into oxygen-Carbon dioxide also got trapped
E.g. sedimentary rocks, crude oil
CO2 levels are now 0.03%
What were Oxygen levels in the early atmosphere
There was only a trace of oxygen
Why did oxygen increase and what percentage is it now
Photosynthesis produces oxygen
21%
What human activities affect greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
– Deforestation—
-Burning fossil feels
-Agriculture –More farm animals – methane
– creating waste – more landfill sites
What are greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour act like an insulating layer in the Earth atmosphere – this, amongst other factors, allow the Earth to be warm enough to support life
-Greenhouse gases don’t absorb short wavelengths from the Sun however they do absorb the long wavelengths – they then re-radiate it all in directions including back earth – longwave radiation is the thermal radiation so results in warming the earths surface
What does increased carbon dioxide lead to
Climate change
What could be the consequences of climate change
- ice caps melting: causing rise in sea levels
- changes in rainfall patterns
- change in temperature and the amount of water available in a habitat may affect wild species
What is evidence for rising co2 levels in recent years
Take a core of ice-lower points in the ice have less co2
What is a carbon footprint
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other green house gases release over the full lifecycle
How can you reduce carbon footprint
-using renewable energy resources
-using more efficient processes
-eating less beef
-use bio fuels
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How is carbon dioxide produced
The complete combustion of fossil fuels
How is water vapour produced
Complete combustion of fossil fuels
How is carbon monoxide produced
And how is it dangerous
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
It is dangerous because it binds to the haemoglobin so less oxygen is able to be transported round you body
How is sulphur dioxide formed
The complete combustion of fossil fuels
