The Earth And Atmosphere

Question 1

Before living things existed explain how the formation of oceans reduced the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer 1

Carbon dioxide dissolved in the oceans
Carbonates we’re precipitated
Producing sediments and sedimentary rock

Question 2

Explain how greenhouse gases increase the Earths Average temperature

Answer 2

Short wave radiation is transmitted from the sun
It’s absorbed and re radiated - as long wave radiation
It’s absorbed by greenhouse gases

Question 3

Carbon monoxide is an atmospheric pollutant. Explain its source

Answer 3

Incomplete combustion of a fuel

Question 4

Explain how coal is formed

Answer 4

Ancient plants died and were covered in sediments
Led to high temperature and pressure over millions of years

Question 5

Name four substances that are long term stores of carbon which originated as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer 5

Sedimentary rock , coal , oil and natural gas

Question 6

Detailed steps - how greenhouse gases increases the earth’s temperature

Answer 6

1. Energy from the sun travels to the earth as short wave radiation
2. Some of it reflects back into space - most of it easily passes through
3. Energy of the radiation is absorbed when it reaches the surface of the earth
4. The surface of the earth then radiates the energy as long wave radiation
5. The energy in long wave radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases
6. Energy is trapped in the atmosphere - increasing the earths temperature

Question 7

Why does some short wave radiation reflect back to space but some pass through easily?

Answer 7

Because short wave radiation doesn’t interact strongly with gas molecules

Question 8

Carbon footprint

Answer 8

The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product , service and event

Question 9

Test for hydrogen

Answer 9

Insert a lit splint at the end of the test tube with hydrogen , you’ll get a squeaky pop

Question 10

Test for Oxygen

Answer 10

If you insert a glowing splint inside a test tube with oxygen , the splint relights

Question 11

Test for carbon dioxide

Answer 11

Bubble the carbon dioxide through an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide ( limewater ) using a Pipette , limewater will turn cloudy

Question 12

Test for chlorine

Answer 12

Insert damp litmus paper in the mouth of the test tube with chlorine , it will bleach the litmus paper , turning it white