The composition of the Atmosphere Flashcards
What is the atmosphere
A mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and is held in place by gravity
Why is the atmosphere important
- Provides vital life support systems e.g. protection from solar radiation
- Gas resources
- Aids transport of energy and water around the globe
What is gases is the atmosphere composed of
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- CO2
- Rare gases
- Ozone
What is dynamic equilibrium
When things change all the time but stay roughly balanced
What is the word equation for photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide + water –> glucose + oxygen
What is the word equation for respiration
Glucose + oxygen –> carbon dioxide + energy
What happens during respiration
Glucose and oxygen is absorbed and produces carbon dioxide and water which releases energy
What happens during photosynthesis
A photosynthesiser absorbs carbon dioxide and water and in the presence of sunlight produces glucose and oxygen
When do plants respire
All the time
What is respiration responsible for contributing a lot of into the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide
What is transpiration
The exhalation of water vapour through the stomata (essentially evaporation of water from the leaves of plants)
What are the four layers of the atmosphere
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
What are the three boundary names of the layers of the atmosphere
- Tropopause
- Stratopause
- Mesopause
What happens to temperature in the troposphere
Temperature decrease
What happens to temperature in the stratosphere
Temperature increases
What happens to temperature in the mesosphere
Temperature decreases
What happens to temperature in the thermosphere
Temperature increases
Which two layers of the atmosphere are affected by human activities
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
What causes temperature to increase in the stratosphere
Presence of ozone (O3) causes temperature to increase
Why does ozone cause in the stratosphere cause temperature to increase
Ozone molecules absorb solar UV radiation which creates heat
Why does temperature decrease in the mesosphere after it increasing in the stratosphere
The mesosphere does not have as much ozone in it as the stratosphere
What is the stratosphere
The layer of the Earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere extending about 50km above the Earth’s surface
What is the troposphere
The lowest region in the atmosphere extending from the Earth’s surface to a height of 10km
What is ozone
A highly reactive gas composed of oxygen molecules (O3)
How does air density and air pressure change with altitude
Air pressure and air density increases at lower altitudes (both increase with decrease with altitude)
Air pressure and air density decreases at higher altitudes (both decrease with increase with altitude)
