The Earth’s Atmosphere Flashcards

1
Q

What was the atmosphere like billions of years ago?

A

Mainly carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapour and hydrogen based compounds

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2
Q

What did volcanoes release in the early atmosphere?

A

Carbon dioxide, water vapour and nitrogen

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3
Q

What happened when the Earth cooled?

A

Water vapour condensed and formed oceabs

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4
Q

How else was water brought to Earth?

A

Comets

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5
Q

What appeared 3.4 billion years ago?

A

Bacteria like organisms that used chemosynthesis to make energy

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6
Q

When did bacteria like organisms evolve into photosynthesising bacteria and algae?

A

2.7 billion years ago

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7
Q

How did photosynthesising organisms change the atmosphere?

A

By adding oxygen

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8
Q

What happened when plants and animals began to evolve?

A

Oxygen levels increases and carbon dioxide levels decreased

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9
Q

How much nitrogen is in the atmosphere today?

A

78%

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10
Q

How much oxygen is in the atmosphere today?

A

21%

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11
Q

How much carbon dioxide is in the atmosphere today?

A

0.04%

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12
Q

How much argon is in the atmosphere today?

A

0.9%

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13
Q

How much of other gases is in the atmosphere today?

A

0.06%

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14
Q

Why did nitrogen levels build up?

A

Nitrogen is very unreactive

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15
Q

What is the equation for methane reacting with oxygen in the early atmosphere?

A

Methane + Oxygen —> Carbon Dioxide + Water

CH4 + 2O2 —> CO2 + 2H2O

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16
Q

What is the equation for ammonia reacting with oxygen in the early atmosphere?

A

4NH3 + 3O2 —> 2N2 + 6H2O

17
Q

Why did carbon dioxide levels decrease?

A

It got trapped in organisms, fossils, crude oils, etc

18
Q

What are the main greenhouse gases?

A

Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Water Vapour

19
Q

What are the fossil fuels?

A

Coal, oil and gas

20
Q

What is the equation for burning fossil fuels?

A

Fossil fuels + oxygen —> carbon dioxide + water

21
Q

What increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

A

Burning wood, cattle farming, burning fossil fuels, deforestation

22
Q

What is air pollution?

A

The presence of harmful substances in the environment

23
Q

How does carbon dioxide affect the environment?

A

Climate change, raises earth’s temperature by trapping infrared radiation

24
Q

How does carbon monoxide affect the environment?

A

Decreases the ability of the blood to carry oxygen leading to death

25
Q

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

A

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels

26
Q

Where does sulphur dioxide come from?

A

Burning fossil fuels containing sulphur

27
Q

How does sulphur dioxide affect the environment?

A

Combines with water vapour in the air to cause acid rain

28
Q

How do nitric oxides affect the environment?

A

Combine with water vapour to form acid rain

29
Q

Where do nitric oxides come from?

A

Lightning, road traffic, power plants

30
Q

Where do particulates come from?

A

Burning fossil fuels and wood

31
Q

How does particulates affect the environment?

A

Cause breathing difficulties, global dimming, dirty looking environment