Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards

1
Q

What is phase 1 of the theory around the creation of the earth?

A
  • the surface was covered in volcanoes that erupted and released lots of gases (creating the atmosphere)
  • the early atmosphere was mostly carbon dioxide, like Mars and Venus today
  • the atmosphere contained little to no oxygen
  • volcano activity also released nitrogen, which built up over time, as well as water vapour, methane, and ammonia
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2
Q

What is phase 2 of the theory around the creation of the earth?

A
  • when the water vapour condensed, oceans were formed.
  • a lot of carbon dioxide was removed from the atmosphere as it dissolved in the ocean. The dissolved carbon dioxide then formed carbon precipitates, forming sediments on the sea bed
  • green plants and algae evolved and absorbed some of the carbon dioxide so that they could carry out photosynthesis. Later, marine animals evolved. Their shells and skeletons contained carbonates from the ocean
  • Some of the carbon these organisms took in from the atmosphere and oceans became locked up in rocks and fossil fuels when they died
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3
Q

What is phase 3 of the theory around the creation of the earth?

A
  • green plants and algae also produced oxygen by photosynthesis
  • algae evolved first (2.7 billion years ago) then over the next billion years, green plants evolved.
  • as oxygen levels increased, more complex life could evolve (like animals)
  • Around 200 million years ago, the atmosphere reached a composition similar to what it is today; 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% other gases
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4
Q

What are greenhouse gases?

A

They are gases that act as an insulating layer in the atmosphere - this allows the earth to be warm enough to support life

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5
Q

How do the greenhouse gases work?

A
  • The sun short wavelengths are sent into the earth (and are not absorbed)
  • The long wavelengths that are reflected back into space are absorbed
  • They are re-radiate it in all directions, including back to earth
  • The longwave radiation is thermal radiation, so it warms the earths’ surface. This is the greenhouse effect
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6
Q

What and how are human activities are affecting the amount of greenhouse gases?

A

1) deforestation - fewer trees means less CO2 is removed from atmosphere
2) burning fossil fuels - carbon that was “locked up” is being released into the atmosphere
3) agriculture - more farm animals produce more methane through digestion
4) creating waste - landfill sites and more waste from agriculture means more CO2 and methane released by decomposition of waste

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7
Q

Give an example of a consequence of climate change:

A
  • polar ice caps melting so higher sea levels
  • change in rainfall patterns so more flooding and more droughts
  • higher temperature affecting food availability and more forest fires
  • frequency and severity of storms increases
  • changes in temperature and rainfall affects animals and habitats, so more extinct animals
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8
Q

what are carbon footprints?

A

It is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released over a full life cycle of something.

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9
Q

How can we reduce our carbon footprints?

A
  • renewable energy sources
  • tax companies or individuals based on the amount of greenhouse gases used
  • use more efficient processes (conserve energy)
  • make a cap on the amount of emissions allowed per person or company
  • there is technology which captures the CO2 produced before it is released, so it can be stored in things like old oil wells deep underground
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10
Q

why is it difficult to reduce our carbon footprint?

A
  • technology is expensive
  • renewable energy isn’t as reliable as fossil fuels (which can keep up with times of high demand)
  • governments are worried that enforcing taxes and caps on how much you can use will affect individuals’ economy (affect well-being)
  • individuals do not want to make changes to the way they live
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11
Q

What gases are released during combustion?

A
  • carbon dioxide
  • oxides of nitrogen
  • sulphur dioxide
  • carbon monoxide
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12
Q

what problems can be caused by combustion?

A
  • respiratory issues
  • acid rain
  • lack of oxygen (lead to fainting or death)
  • other health related issues
  • global dimming
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13
Q

compare the percentage of carbon dioxide in atmosphere of Mars to Earth:

A

Mars - 95.00
Earth - 0.04

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14
Q

compare the percentage of nitrogen in atmosphere of Mars to Earth:

A

Mars - 3.50
Earth - 78.00

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15
Q
A
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