Topic 9: Chemistry of The Atmosphere

Question 1

Acid rain:

Answer 1

Rain that is acidic due to dissolved gases, such as sulfur dioxide, produced from the burning of fossil fuels.

Question 2

Carbon footprint:

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Environmental implication:

Answer 3

The effect that the activity has on the environment.

Question 4

Fossil fuels:

Answer 4

Natural fuels such as coal and gas, formed in the past from the remains of living organisms.

Question 5

Global climate change:

Answer 5

A long-term shift in global climate patterns.

Question 6

Global dimming:

Answer 6

A gradual reduction in the amount of light reaching the Earth’s surface. This can be caused by carbon particulates.

Question 7

Greenhouse effect:

Answer 7

The increase in the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere due to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trapping infra-red radiation from the surface.

Question 8

Greenhouse gases:

Answer 8

Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life.

Question 9

Particulates:

Answer 9

Particulates cause global dimming and health problems for humans. Carbon particulates (soot) are a product of incomplete combustion.

Question 10

Photosynthesis:

Answer 10

Oxygen was produced in the early atmosphere by photosynthesis of plants and algae. This simultaneously decreased the amount of carbon dioxide in the early atmosphere.

Question 11

Equation for photosynthesis:

Answer 11

6CO2 + 6H2 O→ C6 H1 2O6 + 6O2

Question 12

Pollutants:

Answer 12

A substance introduced into the environment that has undesired effects.