Chemistry of the atmosphere

Question 1

What are the three phases of the atmosphere?

Answer 1

1. Volcanoes give out gas such as CO2 and nitrogen
2. Oceans, algae and green plants absorbed CO2
3. Green plants and algae produce oxygen over the course of billions of years

Question 2

What do green house gases do?

Answer 2

They absorb the longer wavelengths of light which is thermal radiation. They then disperse this in all directions including back towards the Earth. This causes a warming

Question 3

How have humans affected the amount of greenhouse gases?

Answer 3

.Deforestation - less trees means less carbon dioxide being absorbed
.Burning fossil fuels - fossil fuels have carbon dioxide ‘locked up’ inside them. Burning them releases them
.Agriculture - more animals mean more CO2 and methane is produced
.Creating waste - CO2 and methane is produce when waste is decomposed