Atmospheric Chemistry Flashcards
(10 cards)
What gases dominated Earth’s early atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide, water vapour, with traces of methane and ammonia.
How did CO₂ levels decrease over time?
Dissolved in oceans, formed sedimentary rocks, and absorbed by plants/algae via photosynthesis.
How did oxygen levels increase?
Photosynthesis by plants and algae released oxygen over billions of years.
Name the three main greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapour.
Explain the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation from Earth, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Name two human activities increasing CO₂ and methane.
CO₂: Burning fossil fuels. Methane: Cattle farming and landfills.
What is a carbon footprint?
Total greenhouse gas emissions linked to a product, service, or event.
Give two ways to reduce carbon footprints.
Use renewable energy; adopt carbon capture technology.
What pollutants come from burning fossil fuels?
Carbon monoxide (CO), particulates (soot), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ).
How do sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides harm the environment?
Cause acid rain, damaging ecosystems and buildings.
