topic 9(chemistry of the atmosphere) Flashcards
volcanoes
for the first billion years of earth was covered in volcanoes that erupted and released lots of gases, which is how we believe that the early atmosphere was formed.
Released nitrogen, water vapour and small amounts of ammonia.
Early atmosphere
Mostly made up of carbon dioxide, with virtually no oxygen.
Water vapour
condensed to form the ocean.
Carbon dioxide dissolved into the ocean to help form the seabed, where marine animals evolved.
Fossil fuels
When animals, plankton and plants die, the fall to the seabed and get buried in layers in sediment.
Over millions of years, they become compressed and form sedimentary rocks, oils and gas
types of fossil fuels
coal, crude oil and natural gas
Equation for photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Types of gases in today’s atmosphere
Approximately 80% nitrogen
Approximately 20% oxygen
and other gases, such as carbon dioxide, noble gases and water vapour which make up less then 1% of the earths atmosphere.
greenhouse gases
carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour act like a insulating layer in the earth and allows it to be warm enough for life.
the reflect particles back to the Earth.
Forms of human activity that effect greenhouse gases.
Deforestation
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.
Climate change
An increase in global temperature could lead to ice bergs melting, increasing sea levels, change in rainfall patterns which could cause curtain regions to get little or too much water, which may effect the ability to grow food.
carbon footprints
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and the greenhouse gases released over the full life cycle of something
How to reduce carbon footprints
Include more public transport and less cars.
Complete combustion
When there’s plenty of oxygen and fuel burns.
Incomplete combustion
When there’s not enough oxygen some of the fuel doesnt burn.
Solid particles made up of soot.
release carbon monoxide
