The Atmosphere Flashcards
What was the percentage of Carbon Dioxide in the Early Atmosphere?
95%
What was the total percentage of ‘other gasses (nitrogen, hydrogen, ammonia)’ in the Early Atmosphere?
1%
What was the percentage of Water Vapour in the Early Atmosphere?
4%
What is the percentage of Oxygen in todays Atmosphere?
21%
What is the percentage of Nitrogen in todays Atmosphere?
78%
What is the percentage of ‘other gasses’ in todays Atmosphere?
1%
Explain why the amount of Water Vapour has decreased.
As the Earths temperature started to cool, water vapour in the Atmosphere condensed, causing centuries-long rain; forming the oceans.
Explain how Oxygen was introduced to the Atmosphere.
When the Earth began to grow green plants, they begun to photosynthesise. Through this process, oxygen was produced.
Explain why Nitrogen percentages changed in the Atmosphere?
As more Oxygen was produced, it began to react with the Ammonia in the air; producing Nitrogen.
What were two effects of the rising Oxygen levels in the Atmosphere?
Allowed animals to evolve and oxygen reacting with methane produced carbon dioxide and water vapour.
What is meant by ‘Carbon Footprint?’
Amounts of greenhouse gasses released by a product.
What are examples of Greenhouse Gasses?
Water Vapour, Methane and Carbon Dioxide.
Explain the Greenhouse effect.
- The sun gives out short wavelength radiation.
- This is reflected back by the Earth as long-length radiation.
- The long wavelength radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gasses in the Atmosphere.
- Green house gasses give out the long wavelength radiation in all directions; causing the temperature to rise.
Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?
It binds to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells, reducing the amount of oxygen they are able to transport around the body.
Why is Carbon Monoxide hard to detect?
It is odourless and colourless.
