Topic 9 - Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Question 1

What is the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer 1

1.Nitrogen - 78%
2.oxygen - 21%
3.Argon - 0.9%
4.Water Vapour- 0.1%
5.Carbon Dioxide - 0.04%

Question 2

What was the difference between Earth’s atmosphere 4.5 billion years ago vs today?

Answer 2

1. Atmospher had lots more CO2 at 96.5%
2. Little to no O2
3. The amount of nitrogen was much lower at 3%

Question 3

What is a carbon footprint?

Answer 3

A carbon footprint is a measure of how much CO2 or other greenhouse gases, anything releases into the atmosphere over its life cycle.

Question 4

How can we reduce carbon footprint?

Answer 4

1.Make processes more energy effecient
2.Use alternative fuels
3.Tax emissions
4.Carbon capture/storage
5.Use public transport.

Question 5

How has the Earth’s atmosphere changed over time?

Answer 5

1. Volcaneos gave out lots of gases, and the atmosphere was mostly CO2. The volcanoes also released nitrogen, water vapour, meathan and ammonia
2. Oceans, algae and plants absorbed CO2 - as the water vapour cooled it condensed into oceans. Lots of CO2 dissolved into the oceans which formed carbonate precipitates on the seabed. Plants and algea carried out photosynthesis.
3. Plants and algea released oxygen through photosynthesis

Question 6

What is a carbon footprint?

Answer 6

The amount of CO2 or other greenhouse gases released over the full life cycle of something

Question 7

What causes global dimming?

Answer 7

particulates released from incomplete combustion reflect sunlight back into space.

Question 8

How are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides created from combustion?

Answer 8

1. sulfur dioxide is released during combustion from fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities, this sulfur is then oxidised
2. Nitrogen oxides are reacted in the air, caused by the high temperatures from the combustion in car engines - ICE.

Question 9

How do nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide damage plants and buildings?

Answer 9

1. These gases mix with cloudes to form dilute sulfuric/nitric acid. i.e acid rain
2. This then falls and damages plants, buildings and statues, and causes metals to corrode

Question 10

What is peer review?

Answer 10

When other scientists check another’s work to make sure it’s true