Paper 2 - Chemistry of the atmosphere

Question 1

How did the atmosphere evolve over time?

Answer 1

The atmosphere evolved over time via volcanic gases - intense volcanic activity released gases and nitrogen built up over time.

Question 2

Which gas did the early atmosphere contain mostly of?

Answer 2

The early atmosphere contained mostly carbon dioxide

Question 3

How were oceans formed?

Answer 3

Oceans were formed from water vapour condensing over time

Question 4

How is crude oil and gases formed?

Answer 4

Crude oil and gases formed from plankton composites / dead organic matter underground

Question 5

How was coal formed?

Answer 5

Coal was formed from thick plant deposits

Question 6

How was limestone formed?

Answer 6

Limestone was formed from calcium carbonate deposits

Question 7

How was oxygen produced in the atmosphere?

Answer 7

Oxygen was produced in the atmosphere from algae and plants producing oxygen in photosynthesis. This also lead to animal evolution.

Question 8

What is the carbon footprint?

Answer 8

Carbon footprint is how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released over something’s full life cycle.

Question 9

How can we reduce our carbon footprint?

Answer 9

Carbon footprint can be reduced by lowering the carbon dioxide and methane emissions

Question 10

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 10

The greenhouse effect is when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorbers long wavelength radiation and re-radiate it in all directions

Question 11

What are human activities that cause climate change?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What is the evidence of climate change?

Answer 12

Examples of climate change evidence include rising sea levels, rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather

Question 13

What are the consequences of climate change?

Answer 13

The consequences of climate change are frequent flooding and coastal erosion, frequent and severe storms, difficulty in food production, change in species distribution

Question 14

How are carbon monoxide and carbon particulates formed?

Answer 14

Carbon monoxide and carbon particulates are formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels

Question 15

What are the effects of carbon monoxide and carbon particulates polluting the air?

Answer 15

The effects of carbon monoxide and carbon particulates polluting the air are that it stops blood flow, causes respiratory problems and global dimming

Question 16

How is sulfur dioxide formed?

Answer 16

Sulfur dioxide is formed from the oxidation of sulfur impurities in fossil fuels during combustion

Question 17

How are oxides of nitrogen formed?

Answer 17

Oxides of nitrogen are formed from the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen caused by the heat of burning fossil fuels

Question 18

What are the effects of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

How is acid rain produced?

Answer 19

Acid rain is produced from the sulfur dioxide that is released from the combustion of coal reacting with the water in the clouds

Question 20

What are the effects of acid rain?

Answer 20

The effects of acid rain are:

• Damage to buildings
• Plants and trees destroyed
• Organisms die eg fish