Chemistry of the atmosphere - topic: c9:

• What was the first phase in the evolution of the atmosphere?

  Volcanoes gave out gases
• How did oceans and algae contribute to the atmosphere in phase 2?

  They absorbed carbon dioxide, increasing oxygen levels
• What do green plants and algae produce in phase 3?

  Carbon dioxide
• From what are crude oil and natural gas formed?

  Plankton deposits
• What is the current composition of the atmosphere?

  80% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, 1% carbon dioxide
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere
• Which human activities increase carbon levels in the atmosphere?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• What are some consequences of climate change?

  Higher temperatures, melting ice caps, severe weather
• What does a carbon footprint measure?

  Greenhouse gases released over a product's life cycle
• How can reducing carbon and methane emissions affect the carbon footprint?

  It reduces the overall carbon footprint
• What should governments do to reduce carbon footprints?

  Be willing and able to make changes
• What energy sources could replace fossil fuels?

  Renewable and nuclear energy sources
• What is carbon monoxide and how is it produced?

  Produced by incomplete combustion
• What health issue does carbon monoxide cause?

  Reduces oxygen transport in the blood
• What are particulates and their effect?

  Cause respiratory issues and global dimming
• What is sulfur dioxide and its source?

  From sulfur in fuels, leads to acid rain
• What do oxides of nitrogen form and their impact?

  Form at high temperatures, harm plants
• How do oxides of nitrogen contribute to environmental issues?

  They contribute to acid rain