Chem Topic 9

• How can we describe the Earth's atmosphere over time?

  • Earth's early atmosphere was likely mostly carbon dioxide, with nitrogen and water then increasing due to volcanic activity
  • The carbon dioxide likely then dissolved into the oceans formed, then into sediment
  • Plants and algae converted carbon dioxide into oxygen
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Its what keeps the Earth warm - greenhouse gases absorb long wavelength radiation reflected off the surface. These include water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane
• What is global warming?

  Rise in global temperature
• What is carbon footprint?

  A measure of how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere as a result of your actions
• What are some atmospheric pollutants?

  Carbon monoxide - binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells, reducing the oxygen they are able to transport around the body. Its odourless & colourless, making it hard to detect

  Sulphur dioxide - causes acid rain, which corrodes metal and erodes stone

  Nitrogen oxides - causes respiratory/breathing problems

  Carbon particulates/soot - can cause health issues