chem of the atmosphere

• Photosynthesis

  A chemical process used by plants to make oxygen and glucose from carbon dioxide, water + light energy.
• Greenhouse gas

  Gases responsible for global warming
• Global warming

  The rise in the average temperature of the earths surface
• UV radiation

  Shorter wavelength radiation emitted from the sun
• IR radiation

  Longer wavelength re-radiated from the earths surface
• Greenhouse effect

  The retention of heat in the atmosphere caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases
• Peer reviewed evidence

  Evidence that is published in scientific journals and is checked by other scientists
• Carbon footprint

  Total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event
• Fossil fuel

  Natural, finite fuel formed from the remains of living organisms e.g. crude oil, coal and natural gas
• When did scientists believe Earth first formed?

  4.8 billion years ago
• What gases did volcanoes produce?

  Carbon dioxide, water vapour and nitrogen
• Why have theories about Earth’s early atmosphere developed and changed over time?

  Limited evidence
• How did the oceans form?

  Over time, the earth cooled down and water vapour in the atmosphere condensed
• When did scientists believe that life began on Earth?

  3.4 billion years ago
• What is the equation for photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + water —> glucose + oxygen
• What is the equation for respiration?

  glucose + oxygen —> carbon dioxide + water
• What was formed when shells of organisms nade using dissolved carbon dioxide, fell to the bottom of the ocean and were covered and compressed?

  Sedimentary rock
• What are the 3 greenhouse gases?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour
• How can the carbon footprint be reduced?

  Using renewable energy resources, using products less frequently (walking instead of driving), taxing emissions, planting more trees, using biofuels and building more efficient products
• Which gases are produced when nitrogen and oxygen react in the very high temperatures of a car engine?

  Nitrogen oxides