T9 chemistry of the atmosphere

around 80% of N2 20% of O2 small quantities of CO2, H2O and noble gases

• earth was hot when it was formed • there was significant volcanic activity • gases have been released from these volcanoes • these gases included CO2, N2, CH4, NH3, H2O

algae and plants produced the atmospheric O2 by photosynthesis which can be represented by the equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O > C6H12O6 + 6O2 as the amount of O2 gradually increased, there were more plants that produced more oxygen

a. some was dissolved in the oceans, where it reacted with metal ions to form insoluble carbonates such as CaCo2 or was taken in by animals to become a part of skeleton. When an animal dies, it becomes a sedimentary rock b. some CO2 was used in photosynthesis to make oxygen

maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life allow short wavelength radiation from the sun to pass through the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface, but absorb the outgoing long wavelength radiation from the Earth causing an increase in temperature water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane

natural phenomenon without it, Earth would be too cold for life to exist

carbon dioxide - combustion and deforestation methane - increased farming and decomposition in landfills

• sea level rise, floodings and increased coastal erosion • more frequent and severe storms • changes in amount and distribution of rainfall • temperature increase and water stress • change in distribution of wildlife species • coral bleaching

total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event

• increased use of alternative energy supplies • energy conservation • carbon capture and storage where CO2 is trapped in solvents and stored underground • carbon taxes and licences • carbon neutrality - zero net release • carbon off-setting including through tree planting

• scientific disagreement over causes and consequences of global climate change • lack of public information and education • lifestyle changes • economic considerations • incomplete international cooperation

• less soot (carbon particulates) is made • more heat per gram of fuel is released • poisonous carbon monoxide is not produced

when a fuel burns, the gases released to the atmosphere include carbon dioxide, water (vapour), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen solid particles and unburned hydrocarbons may also be released that form particulates in the atmosphere

sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in humans and cause acid rain (damages plants and buildings)

cause global dimming by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface particulates cause health problems due to damage to the lungs