Paper 2: Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
Proportions of gases in the modern atmosphere
80% nitrogen
20% oxygen
small quantities of carbon dioxide, water etc
Describe earths early atmosphere
-Earth hot when it formed
-Significant volcanic activity
-Gases released from these volcanoes
How did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase
-Algae and plants produced oxygen by photosynthesis
How did amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere decrease
-Dissolved into the oceans, formed carbonates which where taken in by animals and when died becomes sedimentary rock
-Some used in photosynthesis
The greenhouse effect
-Short length radiation from the sun passes through the atmosphere to earths surface but absorb long wavelength radiation causing an increase in temperature
Why is the greenhouse effect necessary for life
Earth would be too cold for life to exist
What human activities have led to an increase in carbon dioxide
Combustion and deforestation
What human activities have led to an increase in Methane
Increased farming and decomposition in land fills
Potential effects of climate change
-Sea level rise- flooding and increased coastal erosion, more frequent and severe storms
-temperature and water stress
Carbon footprint
Total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full cycle of a product, service or event
Actions to reduce carbon footprint
-carbon capture tech
-energy conservation
-carbon taxes
Challenges of reducing the carbon footprint
-Lack of public info and education
-lifestyle changes
-lack of international cooperation
Advantages of complete combustion
-less soot
-more heat per gram of foil
-carbon monoxide not produced
How is pollution causwd by combustion
Fuel burns gases released to the atmosphere. solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released in that form
Issues regarding sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
-respitotary problems
-Acid rain
