Chemistry of the Atmosphere Flashcards
Describe the atmosphere around the formation of the Earth.
Intense volcanic activity made the vast majority of the atmosphere carbon dioxide. It also included lots of water vapour and small portions of methane and ammonia.
Describe the atmosphere of the Earth after the evolution of green plants and algae.
Due to photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is reduced and oxygen is increased. Other gases react with oxygen to release nitrogen, which makes up about a quarter of the atmosphere.
Describe the atmosphere of the Earth now.
21% oxygen.
78% nitrogen.
0.04% carbon dioxide.
1% other gases.
Why has carbon dioxide reduced in our atmosphere over time?
Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis.
Carbon has also become locked up in sedimentary rocks (like limestone) and fossil fuels.
Reaction between carbon dioxide and sea water.
What does limestone contain?
Calcium carbonate, which can be formed from the shells and skeletons of marine creatures.
How is coal formed?
It is formed from plant deposits that were buried and compressed over millions of years.
What do reactions between carbon dioxide and sea water produce?
Insoluble carbonates that are deposited as sediment.
Soluble hydrogen carbonates.
What happens if too much carbon dioxide is dissolved in the oceans?
It can harm marine life, such as coral reefs.
What kind of radiation does the sun produce?
High energy, short wavelength infrared.
What kind of radiation does the Earth reflect back?
Low energy, longer wavelength infrared.
What increases the Earth’s temperature?
When greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb the radiation that the Earth reflects back.
What are some examples of greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane.
What are activities that increase the amount of methane in the atmosphere?
The decomposition of rubbish in landfill sites.
The increase in animal farming (from their gas).
What is the carbon footprint of a product?
The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are emitted over its full life cycle.
How can the carbon footprint of a product be reduced?
Using alternative energy supplies.
Wasting less energy.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere.
Carbon taxes and licences to deter companies and individuals.
Carbon off-setting (like planting trees).
Encouraging people to use carbon neutral products.
