Chapter 2 Science & the sky

Question 1

In what layer of our atmosphere does (good) ozone occur? And what is bad ozone and where does it occur?

Answer 1

Good ozone, that which shields us from harmful UV-B radiation from the sun, is present in the stratosphere (50km above ground). ‘Bad’ ozone is smog that is present in the ground-level of the atmosphere.

Question 2

Why is understanding the process of science more important than understanding the facts?

Answer 2

Because the facts are always changing in Science as it progresses and we learn more, but the process is the powerful and important tool by which we can come by new facts and learn more.

Question 3

What are the 2 main ways of gathering information?

Answer 3

Experimental study, one in which researchers manipulate one or more variables to observe the effect. OR. Observational studies, where things we see are recorded without manipulating any variable.

Question 4

Why are CFS’s not safe in the atmosphere given they were deemed non-harmful and stable?

Answer 4

Because despite their stability as they would sit in the ozone they would eventually be broken down by UV rays which in turn would release the chlorine from the CFS, and the chlorine would damage the ozone layer.

Question 5

What are the 4 main layers of the Atmosphere? (lowest to highest)

Answer 5

1. Troposphere (weather sphere)
2. Stratosphere (ozone layer)
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere (rly hot)

Question 6

What is spatial variation in insolation?

Answer 6

Incoming solar energy- and heating of Earth’s surface drives mass flows of air (wind) and water (currents)

Question 7

What is ozone?

Answer 7

• a molecule composed of 3 oxygen atoms
• a radiatively active gas
• one component of Earth’s atmosphere; located in the stratosphere and helps block harmful UV-B rays
• when found in troposphere it is harmful

Question 8

What are CFS’s?

Answer 8

A ‘family’ of human-made molecules called chlorofluorocarbons; varying length chains of carbon atoms with fluorine and chlorine atoms attached to each atom

Question 9

What is electromagnetic energy?

Answer 9

It is a form of radiant energy released by electromagnetic processes:

• visible light
• ultraviolet
• x rays/radiowaves

Question 10

Why is ozone in the stratosphere good whereas ozone in the troposphere is bad?

Answer 10

Unlike stratospheric ozone, which forms naturally in the upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, ground-level (or tropospheric) ozone is created through the interactions of man-made (and natural) emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides in the presence of heat and sunlight.