Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
Describe and explain the evolution of the atmosphere (3)
At first:
There were lots of volcanoes that released alot of CO2. Methane and ammonia and water vapour were also released
The water vapour condensed to form oceans.
Oxygen increased because of photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide decreased because it formed into rocks and fossil fuels
What is a greenhouse gas
A gas that act as an insulating layer in the earths atmosphere to keep heat trapped
Explain how enhanced greenhouse effect leads to it getting more hotter
The sun emits short length waves which passes through greenhouse gasses
Absorbed by earth
Some are reflected
The long wavelength radiation is reflected back onto earth by greenhouse gasses which makes the earth heat up
What consequences could climate change have
Increased frequency of extreme weather
Higher temperatures
Rising sea levels
How can you reduce your carbon footprint
- Use Renewable energy
- Taxes based on how much emissions you do
- Carbon capture
Why is combustion of fossil fuels bad
It releases gases and particles
What gases and particles are released by cobustion of fossil fuels
- Oxides of nitrogen
- Sulfur dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
Why are particulates bad for the environment (2)
They can cause respiratory problems
They can contribute to global dimming
Why is carbon monoxide bad
It binds to haemoglobin in your blood cells which limits the oxygen you can use which can lead to fainting a coma or death
Why is carbon monoxide so hard to detect
It is a colourless odourless gas
Why is carbon and carbon monoxide produced
When there is incomplete combustion due to a lack of oxygen
Why is sulfur oxide produced
It’s released during the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities- the sulfur becomes oxidised
Why is nitrogen oxide produced
When nitrogen and oxygen react together because of the heat from burning gases
Why is sulfur oxide bad
It can react with the clouds to form dilute sulfuric acid leading to acid rain
Why are oxides of nitrogen bad
It can react with the clouds to form dilute nitric acid leading to acid rain
