C11 - Earth’s atmosphere

Question 1

What was the Earths early atmosphere formed by?

Answer 1

Volcanic activity

Question 2

What did the early atmosphere consist of?

Answer 2

Carbon Dioxide, nitrogen, methane, ammonia, water vapour

Question 3

What happened as plants spread over the Earth?

Answer 3

Levels of oxygen in the atmosphere increased

Question 4

Equation for photosynthesis?

Answer 4

Carbon Dioxide + Water -> Glucose + Oxygen

Question 5

What effect did photosynthesis have on the early atmosphere?

Answer 5

Photosynthesis by algae and plants decreased the percentage of carbon dioxide.

Question 6

How else was carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere?

Answer 6

Formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels that contained carbon removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Question 7

What percentage of the Earth is nitrogen and oxygen?

Answer 7

80% = Nitrogen
20% = Oxygen

Question 8

What other gases are in TODAYS atmosphere along with nitrogen and oxygen?

Answer 8

Carbon dioxide
Water vapour
Noble gases

Question 9

Why has the amount of carbon dioxide risen in the earths atmosphere?

Answer 9

Because there are many fossil fuels being burnt