Paper 2 - Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
How did the atmosphere evolve over time?
The atmosphere evolved over time via volcanic gases - intense volcanic activity released gases and nitrogen built up over time.
Which gas did the early atmosphere contain mostly of?
The early atmosphere contained mostly carbon dioxide
How were oceans formed?
Oceans were formed from water vapour condensing over time
How is crude oil and gases formed?
Crude oil and gases formed from plankton composites / dead organic matter underground
How was coal formed?
Coal was formed from thick plant deposits
How was limestone formed?
Limestone was formed from calcium carbonate deposits
How was oxygen produced in the atmosphere?
Oxygen was produced in the atmosphere from algae and plants producing oxygen in photosynthesis. This also lead to animal evolution.
What is the carbon footprint?
Carbon footprint is how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released over something’s full life cycle.
How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
Carbon footprint can be reduced by lowering the carbon dioxide and methane emissions
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorbers long wavelength radiation and re-radiate it in all directions
What are human activities that cause climate change?
Human activities that cause climate change include:
- deforestation = releases carbon dioxide and reduces photosynthesis
- burning fossil fuels
- farm animals
- decomposition of landfill and agricultural waste = carbon dioxide and methane emissions
What is the evidence of climate change?
Examples of climate change evidence include rising sea levels, rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather
What are the consequences of climate change?
The consequences of climate change are frequent flooding and coastal erosion, frequent and severe storms, difficulty in food production, change in species distribution
How are carbon monoxide and carbon particulates formed?
Carbon monoxide and carbon particulates are formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
What are the effects of carbon monoxide and carbon particulates polluting the air?
The effects of carbon monoxide and carbon particulates polluting the air are that it stops blood flow, causes respiratory problems and global dimming
How is sulfur dioxide formed?
Sulfur dioxide is formed from the oxidation of sulfur impurities in fossil fuels during combustion
How are oxides of nitrogen formed?
Oxides of nitrogen are formed from the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen caused by the heat of burning fossil fuels
What are the effects of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen?
The effects of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are that there is damage to plants, statues and buildings as well as acid rain and respiratory problems
How is acid rain produced?
Acid rain is produced from the sulfur dioxide that is released from the combustion of coal reacting with the water in the clouds
What are the effects of acid rain?
The effects of acid rain are:
- Damage to buildings
- Plants and trees destroyed
- Organisms die eg fish
