Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the primary gas that makes up the Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
True or False: Oxygen constitutes about 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere.
True
What gas is a significant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide
What is the primary source of methane emissions in the atmosphere?
Agricultural activities and livestock
True or False: The atmosphere is composed of both gases and aerosols.
True
What is the role of ozone in the stratosphere?
To absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation
Which gas is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels?
Carbon dioxide
What atmospheric phenomenon is caused by the interaction of solar radiation with the Earth’s magnetic field?
Auroras
Fill in the blank: The ______ effect describes the warming of the Earth’s surface due to greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse
What is the main purpose of the atmosphere for life on Earth?
To provide air for respiration and protect from solar radiation
Which compound is a major contributor to acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide
True or False: Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
True
What is the primary method by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis
What term describes the movement of air in the atmosphere?
Wind
Fill in the blank: The process of water vapor turning into liquid water is called ______.
Condensation
What are the two main types of atmospheric pressure systems?
High pressure and low pressure
What is the main consequence of increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Global warming
True or False: The atmosphere has a uniform composition at all altitudes.
False
What is the chemical formula for ozone?
O3
Which gas is produced during the respiration of animals?
Carbon dioxide
What is the term for the gradual change in the atmosphere’s composition due to human activities?
Anthropogenic change
What is the primary component of smog?
Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds
True or False: The troposphere is the highest layer of the atmosphere.
False
What is the main role of the carbon cycle in the atmosphere?
To regulate carbon dioxide levels