Topic 9- Chemistry of the Atmosphere

• What was the earth's surface covered in for the first billion years?

  Volcanoes that gave out gases.
• What gases did the earth's early atmosphere contain?

  carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen, methane, water vapour
• What happened when the water vapour condensed?

  Formation of oceans
• What happened when the oceans formed?

  Carbon dioxide dissolved in the oceans- then went through reactions to form carbon precipitates that formed sediments.

  Marine animals formed- their shells & skeletons contain carbonates.

  Green plants and algae evolved and absorbed carbon to carry out photosynthesis.
• What is the process of the carbon being trapped in fossil fuels and rocks?

  When the plankton/animals/plants die they get buried by layers of sediment.

  Over millions of years they become compressed and form sedimentary rocks, oil and gas (which traps the carbon)
• What are crude oil and natural gases formed from?

  Organic matter- remains of plankton.
• What is coal made from?

  It's a sedimentary rock made from plant deposits.
• What is limestone made from?

  It is a sedimentary rock made from calcium carbonate deposits from shells and skeletons of marine organisms.
• What did the green plants and algae introduce to the early atmosphere?

  Oxygen from photosynthesis
• What is the word and symbol equation for photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen

  6CO2 + 6H20 -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• When did algae evolve?

  2.7 bullion years ago
• What did the oxygen in the early atmosphere allow to happen?

  Animals to evolve
• What gases make us today's atmosphere and their percentages?

  Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Argon and Carbon Dioxide (less than 1%)
• What are greenhouse gases?

  Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
• Name some greenhouse gases:

  carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour
• What human activity can affect the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

  Deforestation.

  Burning fossil fuels.

  Agriculture- farm animals produce methane.

  Creating waste- more waste means more CO2 released by decomposition
• What are some dangerous consequences of climate change?

  Polar ice caps melting- rise in sea levels mean flooding (coastal erosion).

  Changes in rainfall patterns- can cause too much or little water.

  The frequency and severity of storms increasing.

  Changes in temperature- amount of water in habitats may affect animals.
• What is a carbon footprint?


  The total amount of greenhouse gases or carbon dioxide emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product.
• What are the ways of reducing the carbon footprint?

  Renewable energy, public transportation, energy efficiency, government taxing on the amount of carbon dioxide emitted
• Why is making reductions of greenhouse gases difficult to implement?

  Expensive, technology still at developmental stage, government worried it could impact economic growth on countries.
• How can an individual reduce their carbon footprint?

  Choosing to cycle or walk, recycle, save energy at home (turn heating down)
• What problems can carbon particulates in the air cause?

  Air pollution, respiratory problems, particulates reflect light sunlight meaning less light reaches earth
• How is carbon monoxide dangerous to the body?

  Stops the blood carrying oxygen by binding to haemoglobin so oxygen can't bind to it.

  Lead to fainting, coma and death.

  Doesn't have colour or smell.
• What happens when sulfur dioxide is released into the atmosphere?

  Acid rain