Chemistry of the Atmosphere Flashcards
How does our atmosphere support life?
- Blocks harmful radiation
- Provides oxygen for respiration
- Keeps the Earth warm
What were the main two gasses in the atmosphere now?
Nitrogen and oxygen
What was the main gas in the early atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide.
What was the main gas emited from volcanoes?
Water vapor. (carbon dioxide was also emitted)
What happened to the hydrogen and helium emitted by early volcanoes?
It drifted off into space.
Why has their been a reduction in volcanoes?
The earth cooled and formed a crust.
How did algea change the composition of the atmosphere?
- They increased oxygen concentration
- They decreased carbon dioxide concentration.
What happened to a lot of the carbon in the early atmosphere?
It was locked up in fossil fuels or as metal dissolved in the oceans to form metal carbonates, which then formed sedimentary rock.
How did nitrogen form in the atmosphere?
Ammonia (from volcanic eruptions) reacted with oxygen to form nitrogen and water.
Approximately when did life begin on earth?
2.7 billion years ago.
Why could nitrogen not form in the atmosphere for a long time?
There was not enough oxygen to react with ammonia until life began on Earth.
What are the global effects of climate change?
- Rising sea levels
- Changing rainfall patterns
- Desertification
- Storms and extreme weather
- Effect on wildlife
What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of carbon and other greenhouse gasses emitted over the full lifespan of a product or event.
How can carbon footprints be reduced?
- Renewable/nuclear energy
- Increasng efficiency
- Carbon capture
- Recycling
- Reducing waste (decomposition releases methane)
What are the products of incomplete combustion?
- Carbon/carbon monoxide
- Water
What are the dangers of carbon monoxide?
- It causes respiratory problems by binding to hemoglobin and preventing oxygen form being transported around the body.
- It is difficult to detect as it is colourless and odorless
What are the dangers of particulates?
- Global dimming
- Respiratory problems
- Potential to cause cancer
What are the dangers of sulphur dioxide?
- Acid rain
- Respiratory problems
What are the dangers of oxides of nitrogen?
- Acid rain
- Respiratory problems
Where is carbon monoxide formed?
Incomplete combustion.
Where are particulates formed?
Incomplete combustion, especially in diesel engines.
What are particlulates?
Soot and unburned hydrocarbons.
Where is sulpher dioxide formed?
Sulpher impuritys in fuels reacting with oxygen.
Where are oxides of nitrogen formed?
Nitrogen form the air reacting with oxygen when heated near an engine.
