Topic 9; Chemistry Of The Atmosphere Flashcards
Describe the proportions of gases in the modern atmosphere
Oxygen; 20%
Nitrogen; 80%
Small quantities of CO2, H2O and noble gases
How did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase?
Algae and plants photosynthesise to produce oxygen
What is the greenhouse effect?
GG maintain temperatures on earth high enough to support life
Allow radiation from sun to earth but absorb outgoing radiation to maintain heat
How have human activities led to an increase in greenhouse gases?
Combustion and deforestation- carbon dioxide
Farming and decomposition in landfills- methane
What are the potential effects of climate change?
Sea levels rise
More frequent severe storms
Temperature and water stress
What can be done to reduce a carbon footprint?
Use of alternative energy supplies
Energy conservation
Carbon capture and storage
What are the advantages of complete combustion?
Less soot is made
More heat per gram of fuel
Carbon monoxide not produced
How is pollution caused by combustion?
When a fuel burns gases like CO2, CO, H2O released
What are the issues with sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen?
They cause respiratory problems in humans
cause acid rain- damages plants and buildings
What is the issue with particulates?
Cause global dimming- reduce sunlight reaching earth’s surface
Health problems fo humans due to lung damage
How did the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere decrease?
Some was dissolved in oceans where it reacted with metal ions to form insoluble carbonates or was taken in by animals to become part of skeleton.
Animal dies- sedimentary rock
