C2- Chemistry of the Atmosphere Flashcards
What happened in Phase 1?
Earth was covered in volcanoes which released gas and formed the early atmosphere, this atmosphere was probably made up of carbon dioxide and virtually no oxygen, they also released nitrogen and water vapour
What happened in Phase 2?
Water vapour condensed to form the oceans, lots of carbon dioxide was removed from the atmosphere and dissolved into the ocean, the dissolved carbon formed sediments on the seabed, green plants and algae evolved to absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis
What happened in Phase 3?
Algae evolved to produce oxygen and green plants followed many years later, oxygen built up over time and more complex life like animals could evolve, eventually the atmosphere reached a composition similar to today’s of 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen
What is the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases absorb the long wavelength radiation that is reflected off of Earth and reradiate it back in all directions, the longwave radiation is thermal radiation, so it results in the warming of the Earth
What are some consequences of climate change?
Melting icecaps
Increased sea levels
Increased flooding
Increased erosion
Changes in rainfall
Changed in temperature
Storm severity
Storm frequency
Lack of water
Lack of food
How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
Renewable energy
Nuclear energy
Recycling to cut waste
Reusing and reducing
Taxing for carbon use
Government caps
CO2 catching technology
What is incomplete combustion?
When there isn’t enough oxygen some fuel doesn’t burn, particles in the air, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are all released
What are the affects of incomplete combustion?
If particulates are inhaled they can get stuck in the lungs and cause respiratory problems, they reflect light back into space causing global dimming
Carbon monoxide can affect blood carrying oxygen around the body by binding to haemoglobin, so less oxygen is transported
What is released during the combustion of fossil fuels?
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
What do sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause?
They mix with clouds and cause acid rain to fall
