Chemistry of the atmosphere (2)

Question 1

Evolution of the atmosphere-

Answer 1

1. volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, water vapour and small amounts of methane and ammonia
2. water vapour condensed to form oceans
   3.CO2 from the atmosphere removed by oceans and formed carbon sediments
3. Algae evolved and took in CO2 for photosynthesis and released oxygen
4. Plants and organisms evolved releasing more oxygen

Question 2

Composition of the early atmosphere and modern atmosphere

Answer 2

early atmosphere- mostly CO2
modern atmosphere- Nitrogen 78%, oxygen 21%, 0.9% argon, 0.04% CO2

Question 3

examples of greenhouse gases-

Answer 3

CO2, methane, water vapour

Question 4

What is global warming

Answer 4

Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and warm the planet

Question 5

how does global warming cause climate change

Answer 5

the increased earth temperatures change the earths climate by making unpredictable weather patterns and changing eco-systems

Question 6

what are carbon footprints

how can they be reduced

Answer 6

a measure of the greenhouse gases released over the lifecycle of a product or person

reduce carbon footprints by being more renewable

Question 7

Pollutants:
Carbon dioxide-
Carbon monoxide-
oxides of nitrogen-
Sulfur dioxide-
Carbon particulates-

Answer 7

Carbon dioxide- released by complete combustion, causes global warming

Carbon monoxide- released by incomplete combustion
binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells and limits the oxygen capacity in the body making it deadly
it is colourless and odourless so hard to detect

oxides of nitrogen- created by the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air because of heat (combustion in cars)
causes respiratory problems, acid rain and smog

Sulfur dioxide- released by the combustion of fuels with sulfur impurities
creates acid rain

Carbon particulates- tiny particles from incomplete combustion (soot) that cause respiratory issues and global dimming

Question 8

How to reduce pollutants:

Carbon dioxide-
Carbon monoxide-
oxides of nitrogen-
Sulfur dioxide-
Carbon particulates-

Answer 8

Carbon dioxide- use renewable energy sources
Carbon monoxide- use renewable energy sources
oxides of nitrogen- use catalytic converters
Sulfur dioxide- removes sulfur impurities from fuels
Carbon particulates- use filters in exhausts