r Topic 9 – Chemistry of the Atmosphere
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Q: How did oceans form?
A: Water vapour from volcanoes condensed as the Earth cooled.
Q: What was the early atmosphere mainly made of?
A: Carbon dioxide, water vapour, and nitrogen; little or no oxygen.
Q: How did carbon dioxide levels decrease?
A: Dissolved in oceans and formed sedimentary carbonates; used in photosynthesis.
Q: How did oxygen increase in the atmosphere?
A: Photosynthesis by plants released O₂.
Q: What is the current composition of the atmosphere?
A: ~78% nitrogen, ~21% oxygen, ~0.04% carbon dioxide, traces of other gases.
Q: Name the main greenhouse gases.
A: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), water vapour (H₂O).
Q: What causes global warming?
A: Increased greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
Q: Main air pollutants and their effects?
Carbon monoxide → toxic. Sulfur dioxide → acid rain. Nitrogen oxides → acid rain and smog. Particulates → lung damage, reduce sunlight.