C9 - Chemistry of the Atmosphere Flashcards
What was the primary gas in the early atmosphere of Earth?
Carbon dioxide
The early atmosphere had virtually no oxygen, resembling the atmospheres of Mars and Venus today.
What geological activity contributed to the formation of the early atmosphere?
Volcanic eruptions
These eruptions released gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapour, methane, and ammonia.
What formed the oceans in the Earth’s early history?
Condensation of water vapour
The water vapour that condensed in the atmosphere led to the formation of oceans.
How did carbon dioxide levels decrease in the early atmosphere?
Absorption by oceans and photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide dissolved in oceans and was absorbed by plants and algae for photosynthesis.
What is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars?
Photosynthesis
This process also produces oxygen as a byproduct.
What are fossil fuels made from?
Dead organisms
Fossil fuels like coal, crude oil, and natural gas are formed from the remains of plants, plankton, and marine animals.
What is coal primarily made from?
Thick plant deposits
Coal is a type of sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plants over millions of years.
What gas did algae and green plants produce that allowed for more complex life to evolve?
Oxygen
Oxygen production by these organisms increased over time, leading to the evolution of complex life forms.
What percentage of the current atmosphere is nitrogen?
Approximately 80%
The current atmospheric composition is about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases.
Fill in the blank: The process that traps carbon in rocks and fossil fuels is primarily due to the burial of _______.
Dead organisms
This process involves the compression of organic materials over millions of years.
True or False: The atmosphere today is composed mostly of carbon dioxide.
False
Today’s atmosphere is primarily nitrogen and oxygen, with carbon dioxide making up a very small percentage.
What are the main components of limestone?
Calcium carbonate deposits
Limestone is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which comes from the shells and skeletons of marine organisms.
What contributed to the long-term reduction of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?
Formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels
The burial and compression of carbon-containing organisms helped trap carbon and reduce atmospheric CO2.
What did the early oceans do with dissolved carbon dioxide?
Formed carbonate precipitates
These precipitates eventually formed sediments on the seabed.
How long ago did algae first evolve?
About 2.7 billion years
Algae were the first organisms to significantly produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
How do greenhouse gases contribute to the greenhouse effect?
They absorb long wavelength radiation reflected from the Earth and re-radiate it, warming the surface.
What is carbon dioxide’s role in climate change?
It is a greenhouse gas that contributes to warming the Earth’s surface due to human activities.
What human activities affect greenhouse gas levels? List three.
- Deforestation
- Burning fossil fuels
- Agriculture
True or False: Greenhouse gases absorb incoming short wavelength radiation from the sun.
False
What is the impact of deforestation on carbon dioxide levels?
It reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2 via photosynthesis.
What is the relationship between carbon dioxide and global temperature?
Increasing carbon dioxide levels are linked to rising global temperatures.
What are some potential consequences of climate change? List two.
- Melting polar ice caps
- Changes in rainfall patterns
Fill in the blank: The Earth’s climate is ________ and has many variables.
[complex]
What challenges do scientists face in understanding climate change?
The complexity of the Earth’s climate and numerous variables make it hard to create accurate models.
What may happen as a result of increased global temperatures? List two outcomes.
- Rise in sea levels
- Increased flooding in coastal areas
How does agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?
More farm animals produce more methane through their digestive processes.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The process where greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth’s surface.
True or False: The frequency and severity of storms may decrease due to climate change.
False
What is a consequence of changes in temperature and water availability on wild species?
It may lead to differences in their distribution.
What happens to carbon locked in fossil fuels when they are burned?
It is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
What are carbon footprints?
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released over the full life cycle of something.
This can include services, events, or products.
Why are carbon footprints tricky to measure?
There are many factors to consider, including emissions from sourcing parts, manufacturing, usage, and disposal.
This complexity makes exact measurement challenging.
What is one method to reduce carbon footprints?
Using renewable energy sources or nuclear energy instead of fossil fuels.
This can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.
How can efficient processes help in reducing carbon footprints?
They can conserve energy and cut waste, which reduces methane emissions from decomposing waste.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
What role can government taxation play in reducing carbon footprints?
Taxing companies or individuals based on their greenhouse gas emissions can incentivize the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
This encourages lower emissions over time.
What is one way governments can regulate greenhouse gas emissions?
Imposing a cap on emissions and selling licenses for emissions up to that cap.
This creates a financial incentive for companies to reduce emissions.
What technology can help in reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels?
Technology that captures CO2 produced by burning fossil fuels before it is released into the atmosphere.
Captured CO2 can be stored underground in old oil wells.
What is a major challenge in reducing carbon emissions?
The difficulty in implementing changes while considering economic growth and development, especially in developing countries.
This creates resistance to emission reduction efforts.
Why is it hard to make international agreements to reduce emissions?
Countries are reluctant to sacrifice economic development if they believe others will not make similar sacrifices.
This leads to a lack of cooperation.
What is needed from individuals in developed countries to reduce emissions?
Individuals need to make lifestyle changes, which can be difficult without sufficient education about the necessity of these changes.
Awareness and willingness are crucial for effective change.
Fill in the blank: Carbon footprints are a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released over the __________ of something.
[full life cycle]
What are fossil fuels primarily composed of?
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are compounds that only contain hydrogen and carbon.
What is the result of complete combustion of fossil fuels?
Carbon dioxide and water vapour
Complete combustion occurs when there is plenty of oxygen available.
What occurs during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels?
Solid particles and carbon monoxide are produced
Incomplete combustion happens when there is not enough oxygen.
What are the potential health impacts of inhaling particulates?
Respiratory problems
Particulates can get stuck in the lungs and cause damage.
What environmental issue is caused by particulates in the air?
Global dimming
Particulates reflect sunlight back into space, reducing light that reaches Earth.
Why is carbon monoxide considered dangerous?
It can prevent blood from carrying oxygen
CO binds to haemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport in the body.
How does a lack of oxygen in the blood affect the body?
It can lead to fainting, coma, or death
Carbon monoxide’s inability to be detected makes it particularly hazardous.
What is released during the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities?
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
The sulfur in the fuel is oxidized during combustion.
What causes nitrogen oxides to be created during combustion?
A reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air
This reaction is facilitated by the heat of burning.
What harmful environmental phenomenon is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mix with clouds?
Acid rain
This occurs when these gases form dilute sulfuric or nitric acid.
What are some effects of acid rain?
Kills plants, damages buildings, and causes metal corrosion
Acid rain has severe ecological and structural impacts.
How can sulfur dioxide be tested for in fuels?
By bubbling combustion gases through a solution with universal indicator
If sulfur is present, it will form sulfuric acid and turn the universal indicator red.
True or False: Carbon monoxide has a color and smell, making it easy to detect.
False
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, which increases its danger.
