Chemistry of the Atmosphere Flashcards
How did the earths atmosphere initially get its gases
Intense volcanic activity releasing carbon dioxide and nitrogen
Describe early atmosphere
Lots of CO2 and some nitrogen emitted by volcanoes
Water vapor condenses into oceans
Percentages of gas in atmosphere
79% nitrogen
20% oxygen
How did oxygen levels increase
Algae do photosynthesis to produce oxygen
How did carbon dioxide levels decrease
Carbon dioxide dissolved into the water to form carbonate sediments which got together to form sedimentary rock
Plants absorb carbon dioxide in photosynthesis
Through heat and pressure these plants turned into crude oil and natural gas
What cause methane production
Cattle and rice farming
How does the green house effect work
Solar energy hits the earth
Usually most is kept in but some is allowed to escape
If there is more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere then more energy will be reflected back onto the earth after reflecting off the earth
What is the carbon footprint
The amount of Carbon and greenhouses gases emitted during the full lifetime of a substance
What greenhouse gas is made in a car
Nitrogen oxide
What can nitrogen oxide cause
Smog with causes asthma
What can carbon monoxide cause
Poisoning as it causes the blood to not be able to carry oxygen
What can particulates cause
Asthma
Global dimming
What causes sulfur dioxide
Burning of fossil fuels
What does sulfur dioxide cause
Acid rain
What can global warming cause
Rising sea levels
Ice caps melting
Habitats change
