P2 - Chemistry Of The Atmosphere

Question 1

What were the three phases of the earth’s early atmosphere?

Answer 1

1. Volcanoes give out gas (mainly CO2 and nitrogen, some methane and ammonia)
2. Oceans, algae, and plants absorbed CO2
3. Plants and algae made oxygen

Question 2

What human activities increase the level of greenhouse gases?

Answer 2

Deforestation
Burning fossil fuels
Agriculture of livestock
Creating waste (landfills)

Question 3

How does climate change affect the earth?

Answer 3

Increases temperature
Changes rainfall patterns
More storms
May lead to extinction of some species

Question 4

How do you reduce carbon footprints?

Answer 4

Use renewable energy
Cut the amount of waste
Tax on emission of greenhouse gases
Make companies not emit greenhouse gases at all
Use technology that can capture CO2 to store underground

Question 5

What other kinds of gases can you get from burning fossil fuels other than CO2 and what do they do?

Answer 5

Carbon particles - respiratory problems
Carbon monoxide - stops oxygen being transported around body
Sulfur dioxide - causes acid rain and respiratory problems