Environmental Chemistry Flashcards
atmosphere
The mixture of gases surrounding the Earth.
carbon cycle
The carbon cycle shows carbon sinks, and summarises how carbon and its compounds enter and leave the atmosphere and these sinks.
carbon sink
Areas of vegetation, the ocean or the soil, which absorb and store carbon. Carbon and its compounds may remain in carbon sinks for many years.
climate change
A long-term change in weather patterns.
combustion
A chemical reaction in which a substance reacts quickly with oxygen and gives out light and heat. Also called burning.
fossil fuel
A fuel made from the remains of animals and plants that died millions of years ago. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas.
global warming
The gradual increase in the average surface temperature of the Earth.
greenhouse effect
When energy from the Sun is transferred to the thermal energy store of gases in Earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse effect keeps the surface of the Earth warmer than it would otherwise be.
greenhouse gas
A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide.
mineral (chemistry)
Naturally occurring metals, and their compounds.
photosynthesis
The process plants and algae use to make their own food, glucose. In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water react together to make glucose and oxygen.
recycling
Collecting and processing a material so that it can be used again.
respiration
The process that transfers energy in plants and animals. In respiration, glucose reacts with oxygen to make carbon dioxide and water.
