C9 Ai Flashcards

(59 cards)

1
Q

What was the main composition of the early atmosphere?

A

Mostly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen

The early atmosphere was similar to that of Mars and Venus today.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What gases were released by volcanoes during the first phase of atmospheric evolution?

A

Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapour, methane, ammonia

These gases contributed to the formation of the early atmosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What formed the oceans in the early Earth?

A

Water vapour condensed into liquid

This occurred as the atmosphere cooled over time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How did carbon dioxide levels change over time?

A

Much of the carbon dioxide was removed from the atmosphere

This was due to dissolution in oceans and photosynthesis by plants and algae.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the process of photosynthesis represented by?

A

carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

The equation shows how green plants and algae produce oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are fossil fuels and how are they formed?

A

Coal, crude oil, and natural gas formed from remains of ancient organisms

Coal from plant layers, oil and gas from plankton.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is limestone primarily made of?

A

Calcium carbonate from shells and skeletons of marine organisms

Limestone is a significant sedimentary rock formed over millions of years.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

When did algae evolve, and what was their significance?

A

About 2.7 billion years ago; they produced oxygen

Their evolution was crucial for the development of an oxygen-rich atmosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the current proportions of gases in the atmosphere?

A

About 80% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, less than 1% other gases

Other gases include carbon dioxide, noble gases, and water vapour.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

True or False: The proportions of gases in the atmosphere have remained stable for the last 200 million years.

A

True

This stability allowed for the evolution of various life forms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Fill in the blank: Sedimentary rocks are formed when sea organisms die and get _______.

A

buried

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the role of photosynthesis in the evolution of the atmosphere?

A

It produces oxygen, allowing for animal evolution

Photosynthesis is essential for maintaining oxygen levels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the main greenhouse gases?

A

Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How do greenhouse gases keep the Earth warm?

A

They absorb thermal radiation and re-radiate it, warming the atmosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What type of radiation does the sun emit?

A

Short wavelength radiation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the greenhouse effect?

A

The process where radiation from the sun warms the Earth’s surface and greenhouse gases trap that heat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

A

Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is absorbed for photosynthesis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the impact of burning fossil fuels on carbon dioxide levels?

A

It releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How does agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?

A

More farm animals produce more methane during digestion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the role of landfill sites in greenhouse gas emissions?

A

They release carbon dioxide and methane as waste breaks down.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is a carbon footprint?

A

The total amount of carbon dioxide emissions released over the lifecycle of a product or service.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What recent trend has been observed regarding Earth’s average temperature?

A

It has been rising over recent years.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What human activities are believed to contribute to increased carbon dioxide levels?

A

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What do scientists believe the increase in carbon dioxide will lead to?

A

Climate change.

25
What does peer-reviewed evidence indicate?
It suggests that the information is reliable.
26
Why is modeling the Earth's climate complex?
The Earth's climate is very complex, making it hard to create accurate models.
27
What can biased stories in the media lead to?
They can lead to the formation of opinions not based on good evidence.
28
What are some potential consequences of climate change?
Rising sea levels, changes in rainfall, more severe storms, and affected food production.
29
Fill in the blank: Higher global temperatures could cause ice in the Arctic and Antarctic to _______.
melt.
30
True or False: Changes in rainfall due to climate change may cause some regions to experience either too much or too little water.
True.
31
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect ## Footnote Examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
32
How is carbon dioxide taken in by plants?
Through the process of photosynthesis ## Footnote Plants absorb carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and glucose.
33
What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, event, or product ## Footnote It is usually measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.
34
Why are carbon footprints tricky to measure?
Because they can vary significantly across different activities and products ## Footnote Measurement can be complex due to multiple factors involved.
35
List some methods to reduce carbon footprints.
* Using renewable energy sources * Using processes that use less energy * Taxing emissions * Limiting total emissions * Carbon capture technology ## Footnote These methods aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
36
True or False: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is simple.
False ## Footnote Many alternative technologies require further development and implementation.
37
What concerns do governments have about reducing emissions?
Potential negative impacts on the economy and community well-being ## Footnote This is especially crucial for developing countries.
38
What lifestyle changes are needed from individuals in developed countries?
Changes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions ## Footnote Many individuals may resist these changes due to lack of understanding or willingness.
39
Fill in the blank: Carbon emissions can lead to _______.
global warming ## Footnote This highlights the environmental impact of greenhouse gases.
40
What is one way governments can encourage businesses to reduce emissions?
Tax companies based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit ## Footnote This financial incentive can promote cleaner practices.
41
What is a potential solution for capturing carbon dioxide emissions?
Carbon capture technology that stores CO2 underground ## Footnote This technology aims to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
42
What is the relationship between fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions?
Burning fossil fuels releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases ## Footnote Transitioning to renewable sources can help mitigate this.
43
What are some renewable energy sources?
* Solar * Wind * Hydro * Geothermal ## Footnote These sources are sustainable and have lower emissions compared to fossil fuels.
44
What is causing climate change?
Increasing carbon dioxide ## Footnote Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
45
What releases gases and particles into the atmosphere?
Combustion of Fossil Fuels ## Footnote This process involves burning fossil fuels, which contain hydrocarbons.
46
What are the two types of combustion?
* Complete combustion * Incomplete combustion ## Footnote Complete combustion occurs when there is plenty of oxygen, while incomplete combustion occurs with limited oxygen.
47
What are the products of incomplete combustion?
* Solid particulates (soot) * Carbon monoxide ## Footnote Incomplete combustion produces harmful substances that can affect health and the environment.
48
What health issues can particulates in the air cause?
Respiratory problems ## Footnote Particulates can damage lung tissue when inhaled.
49
What is a consequence of particulates reflecting sunlight?
Global dimming ## Footnote This phenomenon reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface.
50
What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?
A colorless, odorless gas that prevents blood from carrying oxygen ## Footnote Lack of oxygen can lead to fainting, coma, or death.
51
What pollutants are released from burning fossil fuels?
* Sulfur dioxide (SO2) * Nitrogen oxides ## Footnote These gases are harmful and contribute to environmental issues such as acid rain.
52
How is sulfur dioxide formed during combustion?
From fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities ## Footnote The combustion process releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
53
What causes nitrogen oxides to form?
A reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air due to heat ## Footnote This reaction occurs during the combustion of fossil fuels.
54
What is the effect of acid rain on the environment?
* Kills plants * Damages buildings, statues, and metals ## Footnote Acid rain results from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mixing with clouds.
55
What happens to universal indicator when it detects sulfur impurities?
It turns red ## Footnote This indicates the presence of sulfur in the fuel being tested.
56
What are natural resources?
Materials and substances that occur in nature ## Footnote Examples include water, minerals, and fossil fuels.
57
What is the difference between renewable and finite resources?
* Renewable: can be replenished naturally * Finite: limited in quantity and cannot be replaced ## Footnote Renewable resources include solar energy, while finite resources include fossil fuels.
58
Fill in the blank: Wool is a _______ resource.
natural ## Footnote Wool is derived from sheep and is a natural product.
59
True or False: Burning fossil fuels has no impact on the environment.
False ## Footnote Burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and climate change.