P2.Chemistry of the Atmosphere

• What is the approximate percentage of nitrogen in the atmosphere?

  About 80%
• What is the approximate percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere?

  About 20%
• What gases are present in small proportions in the atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide, water vapour, noble gases
• How long have the proportions of gases in the atmosphere remained stable?

  For about 200 million years
• What was one theory about the Earth's early atmosphere?

  It was mainly carbon dioxide with little oxygen
• What caused the formation of the early atmosphere according to one theory?

  Intense volcanic activity
• What gases did volcanoes produce that contributed to the atmosphere?

  Nitrogen, methane, ammonia
• What happened to carbon dioxide when the oceans formed?

  It dissolved in water and formed sediments
• When did algae first produce oxygen?

  About 2.7 billion years ago
• How did the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere change over time?

  It gradually increased due to plants
• What process do algae and plants use to decrease carbon dioxide levels?

  Photosynthesis
• What are two human activities that increase greenhouse gases?

  Burning fossil fuels, agriculture
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  a process that occurs when Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's heat.
• What is the carbon footprint?

  Total greenhouse gases emitted by a product
• How can the carbon footprint be reduced?

  By reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
• What are some pollutants released from burning fuels?

  Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide
• What health problems can sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause?

  Respiratory problems in humans
• What is a major effect of particulates in the atmosphere?

  Global dimming and health problems
• What are the main changes in the atmosphere over time?

  • Increase in oxygen due to photosynthesis
  • Decrease in carbon dioxide due to sediment formation
  • Formation of fossil fuels from organic matter
• What are the potential effects of global climate change?

  1. Rising sea levels
  2. Increased frequency of extreme weather
  3. Loss of biodiversity
  4. Changes in agricultural productivity
• What are the properties and effects of common atmospheric pollutants?

  • Carbon monoxide: toxic, colorless, odorless
  • Sulfur dioxide: causes acid rain and respiratory issues
  • Particulates: cause global dimming and health problems
• What actions can be taken to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and methane?

  • Use renewable energy sources
  • Improve energy efficiency
  • Reduce waste and promote recycling
• What is the role of environmental chemists?

  • Study human impact on natural cycles
  • Develop sustainable practices
  • Minimize pollution and waste
• What is a particulate?

  an extremely small piece of dirt,