the chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
What are of the theories of the creation of this atmosphere from the early atmosphere?
The intense volcanic activity released gases that made the Earths early atmosphere very similar to that of Mars and Venus.
These planets mainly consisted of carbon dioxide with little to no oxygen.
What was water vapours impact on the Atmosphere and forming of the Earth as it is today?
The water vapour would have condensed to create the seas and oceans. Carbon dioxide would have dissolved into the water decreasing the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
What is the abundance of each gas in the early atmosphere
95% Carbon dioxide
3% Nitrogen
0.05% Oxygen
What is the abundance of the gases in the atmosphere now?
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
Less than 1% Noble gases
What did carbon dioxide produce after dissolving in the water
carbonate compounds
What then happened to carbonate compounds?
Precipitated
What did plants in the oceans do to decrease the levels of carbon dioxide?
They photosynthesised which then resulted in the decrease in carbon dioxide levels alongside other factors
What fossil fuels also contain carbon?
crude oil
coal
gas
How was the crude oil formed?
When plants and animals in the sea died they then fell to the bottom of the sea and got trapped under layers of sand and mud. Overtime they got buried deeper. The heat and pressure rose which then led the remains of the organisms to turn into crude oil or natural gas.
How was the fossil fuel coal formed?
This was formed from giant plants that lived millions of years ago in the swamp like forests. When they died they sank to the bottom where the dirt and water piled up. Then overtime pressure and heat increased and the plant remains underwent chemical and physical changes.
What are the dangerous consequences of climate change ?
Increase in temp leads to polar ice caps melting
Changes in rainfall patterns and
may affect the natural food production in that region
The frequency and severity of the storms may increase
Changes in temperature and amount of water will affect species of animals as there habitats may be disrupted
What is carbon footprint
A measure of carbon dioxide and other gases released over the life cycle of something.
What’s are ways of reducing carbon footprint
Renewable energy sources or nuclear energy instead of fossil fuels
Taxing vehicles on how much carbon dioxide they emit over a set difference
Put a limit on emissions of all greenhouse gases that’s companies make
What do fossil fuels contain
Hydrocarbons
What happens during combustion
The carbon and hydrogen in these compounds are oxidised so that the carbon dioxide and water vapour are released into the atmosphere
