Carbon Cycle Processes

Question 1

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Carbon dioxide and water results in glucose and oxygen

CO2 + H2O –> C6H12O6 + O2

Question 2

What is the equation for respiration?

Answer 2

Glucose and oxygen results in carbon dioxide and water

C6H12O6 + O2 –> CO2 + H2O

Question 3

What is decomposition?

Answer 3

Physical, biological, and chemical mechanisms that transfer matter into increasingly stable forms, carried out by decomposers who break down cells and tissues in dead organisms

Question 4

What is combustion?

Answer 4

When organic material is burned in the presence of oxygen to give off carbon dioxide, water and energy.

Question 5

What is burial and compaction?

Answer 5

Decomposed plants and animals buried and layers of organic matter have been compressed to form carbon rich oil, coal and gas hydrocarbons.

Question 6

What is carbon sequestration?

Answer 6

The uptake and storage of carbon, e.g. trees and plants absob CO2, release O2 and store carbon through their lifespan.