1.2.2 The Carbon Cycle

• What is the carbon cycle?

  Movement of carbon through Earth's reservoirs
• The carbon cycle is driven solely by biological processes.

  False
• Photosynthesis removes CO2 from the atmosphere.


  True
• Order the following processes in the carbon cycle based on their role in carbon transfer:

  1️⃣ Photosynthesis

  2️⃣ Respiration

  3️⃣ Decomposition

  4️⃣ Combustion

  5️⃣ Weathering/erosion
• The key carbon reservoir in the atmosphere is carbon dioxide
• Order the following carbon emission sources from highest to lowest impact on atmospheric CO2 levels:

  1️⃣ Fossil Fuel Combustion

  2️⃣ Deforestation

  3️⃣ Agriculture
• The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through the Earth's biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.


  True
• The carbon cycle receives carbon from natural processes and human activities.


  True
• Order the following processes in the carbon cycle based on carbon movement:

  1️⃣ Photosynthesis

  2️⃣ Respiration

  3️⃣ Decomposition

  4️⃣ Combustion

  5️⃣ Weathering/Erosion
• Photosynthesis is essential for removing CO2 from the atmosphere
• Respiration releases carbon dioxide, while photosynthesis absorbs it, creating a balanced carbon cycle when in equilibrium


  True
• What are the key processes involved in the carbon cycle?

  Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, weathering
• What is the primary human impact on the carbon cycle?

  Accelerating carbon transfer to the atmosphere
• Imbalances in the carbon cycle can lead to elevated CO2 levels and global warming.


  True
• Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.


  True
• Steps of decomposition in the carbon cycle

  1️⃣ Microorganisms break down organic matter

  2️⃣ Stored carbon is released as CO2

  3️⃣ Organic compounds enter the soil

  4️⃣ Carbon is reabsorbed by plants
• The chemical equation for methane combustion is CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
• The oceans act as a major carbon sink by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere
• What are the key processes in the carbon cycle?

  Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, weathering/erosion
• How do human activities impact the carbon cycle?

  Increase atmospheric CO2 levels
• The carbon cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere
• Human activities accelerate the transfer of carbon from the lithosphere and biosphere to the atmosphere.


  True
• An imbalance in the carbon cycle leads to increased atmospheric CO2
• Match the carbon reservoir with its storage form:

  Atmosphere ↔️ Carbon dioxide

  Biosphere ↔️ Organic matter

  Oceans ↔️ Dissolved carbon

  Lithosphere ↔️ Fossil fuels
• Match the process with its description in the carbon cycle:

  Photosynthesis ↔️ Absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere

  Respiration ↔️ Releases CO2 into the atmosphere

  Combustion ↔️ Releases stored carbon as CO2

  Weathering/Erosion ↔️ Releases inorganic carbon
• Respiration releases CO2 back into the atmosphere
• Plants use sunlight energy during photosynthesis to convert CO2 into organic carbon
• Match the carbon reservoir with its carbon form:

  Atmosphere ↔️ CO2

  Biosphere ↔️ Organic carbon

  Hydrosphere ↔️ Dissolved carbon

  Lithosphere ↔️ Fossil fuels
• Photosynthesis converts CO2 and H2O into glucose and oxygen
• What form of carbon is stored in the biosphere?

  Organic carbon
• Photosynthesis acts as a major sink for carbon, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels


  True
• What are two consequences of fossil fuel combustion?

  Climate change and ocean acidification
• What is the primary function of respiration in the carbon cycle?

  Releases CO2 into the atmosphere
• Which reservoir stores carbon as CO2?

  Atmosphere
• Match the carbon reservoir with its primary storage form:

  Atmosphere ↔️ Carbon dioxide (CO2)

  Biosphere ↔️ Organic carbon

  Oceans ↔️ Dissolved carbon

  Lithosphere ↔️ Fossil fuels
• What form of carbon is released by oceans during exchange with the atmosphere?

  Dissolved carbon
• Arrange the following processes in the carbon cycle according to their carbon transfer direction:

  1️⃣ Photosynthesis (Atmosphere to Biosphere)

  2️⃣ Respiration (Biosphere to Atmosphere)

  3️⃣ Decomposition (Biosphere to Atmosphere)

  4️⃣ Combustion (Lithosphere to Atmosphere)
• What is released into the atmosphere during the combustion of fossil fuels?

  CO2
• Agriculture releases methane and nitrous oxide, which are potent greenhouse gases
• What role does carbon dioxide play in photosynthesis?

  Reactant absorbed from the atmosphere