carbon cycle

Question 1

Q1: What is the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

A1: The movement of carbon through the atmosphere, living things, soil, and water.

Question 2

Q2: Why is carbon important?

Answer 2

A2: It is a key element in all living things and is needed for processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

Question 3

Q3: What is the main form of carbon in the atmosphere?

Answer 3

A3: Carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Question 4

Q4: How do plants use carbon?

Answer 4

A4: They absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis to make food (glucose).

Question 5

Q5: How do animals get carbon?

Answer 5

A5: By eating plants or other animals.

Question 6

Q6: What is cellular respiration?

Answer 6

A6: A process where living things release CO₂ by breaking down glucose for energy.

Question 7

Q7: What is combustion?

Answer 7

A7: The burning of fossil fuels or wood, releasing CO₂ into the air.

Question 8

Q8: How does carbon return to the soil?

Answer 8

A8: Through decomposers breaking down dead plants and animals.

Question 9

Q9: What are fossil fuels?

Answer 9

A9: Carbon-rich materials like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient plants and animals.

Question 10

Q10: How does carbon move into oceans?

Answer 10

A10: CO₂ dissolves in seawater or is absorbed by marine plants.

Question 11

Q11: What are carbon sinks?

Answer 11

A11: Places that store carbon, like forests, oceans, and soil.

Question 12

Q12: What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 12

A12: When CO₂ and other gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth.

Question 13

Q13: What human activities increase CO₂ levels?

Answer 13

A13: Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

Question 14

Q14: How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

Answer 14

A14: It reduces trees that absorb CO₂ and releases stored carbon when trees are cut or burned.

Question 15

Q15: What happens if too much CO₂ is in the atmosphere?

Answer 15

A15: It causes global warming and climate change.

Question 16

Q16: How does carbon move from animals to the atmosphere?

Answer 16

A16: Through respiration and when animals decompose.

Question 17

Q17: What is a carbon footprint?

Answer 17

A17: The total amount of CO₂ produced by human activities.

Question 18

Q18: What are ways to reduce CO₂ emissions?

Answer 18

A18: Use renewable energy, plant more trees, and conserve energy.

Question 19

Q19: How does volcanic activity affect the carbon cycle?

Answer 19

A19: Volcanoes release CO₂ stored in the Earth into the atmosphere.

Question 20

Q20: How does carbon become part of rocks?

Answer 20

A20: Carbon in the ocean forms sediments, which eventually become limestone and other rocks.