C11 Flashcards
(29 cards)
What sort of geological activity formed the early atmosphere?
Volcanic
What gas do scientists believe made up much of the early atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
What additional gases were probably present in the early atmosphere?
- Water vapour
- Nitrogen
- Methane
- Ammonia
What is the chemical process that algae used to generate oxygen?
Photosynthesis
How did the Earth’s first oceans form?
Condensation of water vapour
Which gas makes up most of the atmosphere today?
Nitrogen
Which gas makes up approximately 1/5 of the atmosphere today?
Oxygen
What role did plants play in reducing carbon dioxide levels?
Photosynthesis
What type of rocks do the skeletons and shells of marine creatures form?
Sedimentary rocks
What is the main compound present in these rocks?
Calcium carbonate
How did the Earth’s oceans help to reduce carbon dioxide levels?
Dissolved the CO2
What are the three key greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
- Carbon dioxide
- Water vapour
- Methane
What human activities lead to increased amounts of greenhouse gases?
- Burning fuels
- Raising cattle
- Growing rice
- Using landfills
What are two common ‘carbon sinks’?
- Tropical rainforests
- Oceans
How are scientists able to determine the composition of the atmosphere in the distant past?
Ice core analysis
What do we call the total carbon dioxide released by a product over its life cycle?
Carbon footprint
What is the general impact of an increase in greenhouse gases?
Climate change
What are some specific effects of climate change?
- Rising sea-levels
- Food insecurity
- Damage to ecosystems
What name is given to ‘carbon neutral’ fuels?
Biofuels
What toxic gas is produced when fossil fuels go through incomplete combustion?
Carbon monoxide
What is the pollutant side effect of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere?
Acid rain
What type of pollution can diesel produce?
Particulates
What are some symptoms of CO poisoning?
- Drowsy
- Pass out
Write the equation for photosynthesis
light
water + CO2 –> O2 + glucose
