Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Question 1

describe the proportions of gases in the modern atmosphere

Answer 1

. around 80percent of nitrogen
.20percent of oxygen
.small quantities of carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases

Question 2

desribe the earths early atmosphere and how it was formed

Answer 2

1. the earth was hot when it was formed
   2.there was significant volcanic activity
   3.gases have been released from these volcanoes
   4.these gases included carbon dioxide,nitrogen,methane,and water vapour

Question 3

how did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase

Answer 3

.algea and plants produced oxygen by photoynthesis

.as oxygen increased , there were more plants that produced oxygen

Question 4

how did the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere decrease

Answer 4

some carbon dioxide was dissolved in oceans , or taken by animals, then animals die and becomes sedimentary rock

. some co2 was used in photosynthesis to make oxygen

Question 5

what is the greenhouse affect , what are greenhouse gases

Answer 5

greenhouse gases in the atmoshphere maintain temperatures on earthhigh enough to support life

.water vapour,methane,carbon dioxide

. they allow short wavelength radiation from the sun to pass through the earths atmoshphere , to the earths surface , but absorb the outgoing long wavelength radiarion from the earth causing an increase in temperature.

Question 6

why is the greenhouse effect nescassary for life

Answer 6

the greenhouse effect is natural.without it the earth would be to cold for life to exist.

Question 7

how have human activities led to an increase in greenhouse gases.

Answer 7

carbon dioxide= .combustion
.deforistation

methane=
.increased farming
.decomposition in landfills

Question 8

what are the potential affects of global climate change

Answer 8

.sea levels rise
.floods , droughts
.ice caps melting
.servere weather changes
.hurricanes

Question 9

what is a carbon footprint

Answer 9

a total number of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over a full cycle of a product,service or event.

Question 10

what actions can be taken to reduce a carbon footprint

Answer 10

.renewable energy or nucleur energy
.recycling
.more efficient manufacturing processes
.carbon capture technology
.government increase tax
.eating less beef

Question 11

what are the challenges faced when reducing a crbon footprint

Answer 11

.scientific disagreements
.lack of public information or agreements
.lifestyle changes
.economic considerations
.incomplete international cooperation

Question 12

what are the advantages of complete combustion

Answer 12

.less soot is made with complete combustion

.more heat is released with complete combustion

.poisonous carbon
monoxide is not produced with complete combustion

Question 13

how is pollution caused by combustion

Answer 13

. when a fuel burns the gases release to the atmoshphere include carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,water vapour,sulfure dioxide and nitrogen oxide

.solid particles and unburned hydorcarbons may also be released that form particulates into the atmosphere

Question 14

what are the issues regarding sulfure dioxide and nitrogen oxides

Answer 14

sulfure and nitrogen oxides cause respiratory problems in humans and cause acid rain . Acid rain damages plants and buildings

Question 15

what problems do particulates cause

Answer 15

.particulates , cause global dimming, by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the earths surface

. particulates cause health problems,damage to the lungs