EARTH AND ROCKS - The Carbon cycle

Question 1

Name 2 ways Carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere.

Answer 1

1. Respiration
2. Combustion

Question 2

What is respiration?

Answer 2

Respiration is the process plants and animals transfer energy from food.

Question 3

What is the word equation for respiration?

Answer 3

Glucose + Oxygen –> Carbon dioxide + Water

Question 4

What is combustion?

Answer 4

When fuels such as wood or petrol are burnt.

Question 5

What is the word equation for combustion (e.g. methane)?

Answer 5

(Methane) + Oxygen –> Carbon dioxide + Water

Question 6

Name 2 ways Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.

Answer 6

1. Photosynthesis
2. Dissolving in the oceans

Question 7

What is photosynthesis?

Answer 7

Plants use carbon dioxide and sunlight to create food for themselves.

Question 8

What is the relationship between the Carbon cycle and the Food chain?

Answer 8

Living organisms are made up of and contain carbon, so the food chain also shows how carbon is recycled within animals.

Question 9

Describe the food chain.

Answer 9

1. Living organisms contain many molecules that contain carbon (like carbohydrates)
2. These materials are released back into the environment when the animal releases waste.
3. When plants and animals die, microorganisms break them down.
4. To do this, microorganisms must respire, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
5. Decay also releases many nutrients and molecules back into the soil.

Question 10

Describe the carbon chain.

Answer 10

1. Plants take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
2. Plants convert this into carbon molecules.
3. Plants are eaten, and some of the carbon molecules are transferred to the animal.
4. The food chain
5. Fossil fuels also contain carbon and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere when burned.