Chemistry of the Atmosphere Flashcards
How much oxygen is there in the atmosphere?
21%
How much carbon dioxide is there in the atmosphere?
0.04%
How much nitrogen is there in the atmosphere?
78%
How was the early atmosphere different from today’s?
There was more carbon dioxide and methane, and less oxygen and nitrogen.
What led to an increase in oxygen?
Photosynthesis taking place.
What led to an increase in nitrogen?
The breaking down of ammonia and methane.
Give two things that led to a decrease in carbon dioxide.
Dissolving in the oceans and carbon locking.
What are three greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour.
How do greenhouse gases interact with radiation?
Radiation causes the bonds to vibrate as they absorb and release heat.
What does increasing the level of these gases have on the climate?
It causes change in different areas due to absorbing heat.
What effect does carbon dioxide have on the atmosphere?
It traps radiation, causing an increase in temperature in the atmosphere.
What effect does sulfur dioxide have on the atmosphere?
It causes acid rain.
What effect does water vapour have on the atmosphere?
It traps radiation, causing an increase in temperature in the atmosphere.
What effect does carbon monoxide have on the atmosphere?
It traps radiation, causing an increase in temperature in the atmosphere.
What effect does nitrogen oxide have on the atmosphere?
It traps radiation efficiently, causing a greater increase in temperature in the atmosphere.
