[Part 3]- C11- Chemistry of The Earth’s Atmosphere 🌋

Question 1

Why might actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions be limited ?

Answer 1

• most actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are expensive, and people are reluctant to pay

Question 2

Why might actions to reduce carbon diode emissions through transport, be limited ?

Answer 2

• actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions can be inconvenient, as most people prefer the convenience of driving instead of public transport

Question 3

How can a person’s diet reduce emissions of methane ?

Answer 3

• people could eat less meat and dairy products because, grazing cattle [e.g- cows] release methane when they pass wind

Question 4

How can landfill be used to reduce methane emissions ?

Answer 4

• methane can be trapped and burnt to produce electricity.
• this is because, landfill can release methane [as methane-producing bacteria decompose waste and generate methane]

Question 5

• Fill in the gaps: as methane is a much more ________ greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, it is a good idea to trap and burn methane

Answer 5

• as methane is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, it is a good idea to trap and burn methane

Question 6

Why might actions to reduce methane emissions through diet be limited ?

Answer 6

• people enjoy consuming meat and dairy products so, people are unlikely to change their diet

Question 7

Why might actions to reduce methane emissions through landfill be limited ?

Answer 7

• trapping and burning methane to produce electricity, costs money

Question 8

What is a fuel ?

Answer 8

• a fuel, is a substance that releases energy when combusted [ burned]

Question 9

What are some examples of fuels ?

Answer 9

• examples of fuels include:
• coal
• and hydrocarbons

Question 10

What do most fuels contain ?

Answer 10

• most fuels [including coal] contain sulfur, or carbon and/or hydrogen

Question 11

• Fill in the gaps: the combustion of fuels is a major source of atmospheric pollutants

Answer 11

• the combustion of fuels is a major source of atmospheric pollutants

Question 12

When a fuel is burned, when gases can be released into the atmosphere ?

Answer 12

• carbon dioxide
• water vapour
• carbon monoxide
• sulfur dioxide
• and, oxides of nitrogen

Question 13

[Easy] What is water vapour ?

Answer 13

• water vapour, is the gaseous form of water [because when it is heated, liquid water forms a vapor]

Question 14

How is carbon monoxide produced by burning fuels ?

Answer 14

• carbon monoxide is produced in an incomplete combustion [in the limited supply of oxygen]

Question 15

How is soot produced by burning fuels ?

Answer 15

• soot [carbon particles] is produced, when diesel is burnt

Question 16

How is sulfur dioxide produced by burning fuels ?

Answer 16

• sulfur dioxide [SO2] is produced when sulfur impurities in fossil fuels are oxidised

Question 17

How are oxides of nitrogen produced by burning fuels ?

Answer 17

• oxides of nitrogen are produced

Question 18

How are oxides of nitrogen produced by burning fuels ?

Answer 18

• oxides of nitrogen are produced in the oxidation of nitrogen gas in air, at high temperatures in vehicle engines

Question 19

Is soot a particulate ?

Answer 19

• yes, soot is a particulate

Question 20

What are the properties of carbon monoxide ?

Answer 20

• carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, that is colourless and odourless [has no smell]
• this means it is not easily detected, so many people have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes

Question 21

What is the promblem of increased sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen in the air ?

Answer 21

• sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in humans, and cause acid rain
• this is because, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen dissolve in rainwater, to form acid rain

Question 22

What can acid rain do ?

Answer 22

• acid rain damage trees, and corrode buildings that are made from limestone

Question 23

What are the problems, of increased amounts of particulates ?

Answer 23

• particulates can cause health problems in humans because, they can increase the risk of heart and lung disease
• ; particulates can also cause global dimming because, they can reduce the amount of energy from the sun, that reaches the Earth’s surface

Question 24

[Easy] What can global dimming do ?

Answer 24

• global dimming can affect rainfall patterns

Question 25

• Fill in the gaps: when a fuel is burnt, solid particles and unburnt hydrocarbons can be released that form ____________ in the atmosphere

Answer 25

• when a fuel is burnt, solid particles and unburnt hydrocarbons can be released that form particulates in the atmosphere

Question 26

What are particulates ?

Answer 26

• particulates, are small solid particles containing carbon and unburnt fuel.