C13 - Earth's atmosphere

• What happens to carbon dioxide when water vapor condenses?

  It dissolves producing carbonate compounds
• How does the formation of oceans affect atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?

  It reduces the amount of carbon dioxide
• What is the chemical name of limestone?

  Calcium carbonate
• How do plants in the oceans contribute to carbon dioxide levels?

  They absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis
• What are the components of fossil fuels?

  Coal, crude oil, and gas
• How is crude oil formed?

  From dead aquatic plants and animals
• What prevents oxidation during the formation of crude oil?

  Lack of oxygen in deep burial
• How is coal formed?

  From giant plants in swamp-like forests
• What happens to plant remains in swamps over time?

  They undergo chemical and physical changes
• Approximately how long ago was the Earth formed?

  4.6 billion years ago
• What is one theory about the early atmosphere of Earth?

  It was similar to Mars and Venus
• What gases were released from volcanic activity in the early atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas
• What role did water vapor play in the early atmosphere?

  It condensed to create seas and oceans
• How do human activities impact greenhouse gas levels?

  They increase the amount of greenhouse gases
• What activities release methane into the atmosphere?

  Farming cattle and rice
• What is a consequence of deforestation on carbon dioxide levels?

  Less carbon dioxide is absorbed by photosynthesis
• What do some people believe about the rise in greenhouse gases?

  It is due to natural climate change cycles
• What should you consider when evaluating the trustworthiness of climate research?

  Expertise and funding of the research
• When did algae first produce oxygen?

  2.7 billion years ago
• What process do plants use to produce oxygen?

  Photosynthesis

  
• What are the main greenhouse gases?

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Water vapour
  • Methane
• How does the greenhouse effect work?

  It traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere

  
• What happens if the greenhouse effect becomes too strong?

  The Earth will get too warm
• What is a carbon footprint?

  Total greenhouse gases emitted by activities
• What activities contribute to an individual's carbon footprint?

  Traveling, heating, and food consumption
• What compounds are formed when nitrogen reacts with oxygen in car engines?

  NO and NO₂
• What is the impact of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere?

  They contribute to acid rain and smog
• How does photochemical smog form?

  From nitrogen compounds reacting with sunlight
• What is the effect of smog on human health?

  It can worsen asthma and other conditions
• What causes global dimming?

  Particulates of carbon blocking sunlight
• What is sulfur dioxide and how is it produced?

  It is a gas from burning fossil fuels
• What damage does acid rain cause?

  It erodes buildings and harms ecosystems
• What is the relationship between carbon dioxide and global warming?

  Higher CO₂ levels correlate with warming
• What are the consequences of increased global temperatures?

  Melting ice caps and rising sea levels
• What is complete combustion?

  Burning with enough oxygen to produce CO₂
• What is incomplete combustion?

  Burning with insufficient oxygen producing CO
• What is carbon monoxide often referred to as?

  The silent killer
• How does carbon monoxide affect the body?

  It binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport
• What is sulfur dioxide's chemical formula?

  SO₂
• What happens to sulfur dioxide in rainwater?

  It produces acid rain