Chemistry Of The Atmosphere Flashcards
Describe the proportions of gases in the modern atmosphere:
Around 80% of nitrogen
20% of oxygen
Small quantities of carbon dioxide water and noble gases
Describe the Earth’s early atmosphere and how it was formed:
The Earth was hot when it was formed
There was significant volcanic activity
Gases have been released from these volcanoes
These gases included CO2, N2, CH4, H2O
How did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase?
Algae and plants produced atmospheric oxygen by photosynthesis
As oxygen increased there more plants that produced more oxygen
How did the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere decrease?
Some carbon dioxide was dissolved in the oceans or was taken in by animals to become a part of skeleton
Some carbon dioxide was used in photosynthesis to make oxygen
What is the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases allow short wavelength radiation from the sun to pass through the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface but absorb the outgoing long wavelength radiation from the Earth causing an increase in temperature
Why is the greenhouse effect necessary for life?
Without it the Earth would be too cold for life to exist
How have human activities led to an increase in greenhouse gases?
CO2 - combustion and deforestation
CH4 - increased farming and decomposition in landfills
What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full cycle of a product
What actions can be taken to reduce a carbon footprint?
Increase use of alternative energy supplies
Energy conservation
Carbon capture and storage
Afforestation
Net zero
What are the problems of reducing the carbon footprint?
Scientific disagreement over causes and consequences of climate change
Lack of public information and education
Lifestyle changes
Economic considerations
International cooperation
What are the advantages of complete combustion?
Less soot is made
Poisonous carbon monoxide is not produced
How is pollution caused by combustion?
When a fuel burns thee gases released into the atmosphere include carbon dioxide, water vaper, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
Solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released
What are the issues of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen?
Respiratory problems
Acid rain
What problems do particulates cause?
Global dimming
Respiratory problems
