Chemistry of the atmosphere

What is the gas composition of the earths atmosphere?

• 79% nitrogen

• 20% oxygen

• 1% other gases including CO2

Greenhouse gases definition

Gases which increase the temperature of the atmosphere e.g. carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour

Greenhouse effect definition

When excess greenhouse gases absorb and radiate IR radiation back to the earth, warming it

Man made climate change definition

The leading theory that human activities are causing an increase in global temperature

Carbon footprint definition

Total amount of carbon dioxide emitted over the life of a product, service or event

Global dimming definition

Particulates block the light from the sun slightly, reducing global temperature

Acid rain definition

Gases dissolve in rain causing damage to buildings, statues, lakes and trees

What was the atmosphere like 4 billion years ago?

• Nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapour (like mars)

• Due to volcanic eruptions

After 4 billion years, how did our atmosphere change?

• Nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels decrease

• Due to the earth cooling and water vapour condensing- carbon dioxide dissolves into the oceans

What was the atmosphere like 2.7 billion years ago?

• Increasing oxygen and decreasing carbon dioxide

• Due to photosynthesising organisms evolving

After 2.7 billion years, how did our atmosphere change?

• Reducing oxygen to modern levels

• Animals evolved and began respiring the oxygen

Atmospheric pollutant affect of carbon dioxide?

• All combustion

• Global warming

Atmospheric pollutant effect of carbon monoxide?

• Incomplete combustion

• Toxic, breathing problems

Atmospheric pollutant effect of a carbon particle (soot)?

• Incomplete combustion

• Breathing problems, global dimming

Atmospheric pollutant effect of sulfur dioxide?

• Burning sulphur, impurities in fossil fuels

• Acid rain

Atmospheric pollutant effect of oxides of nitrogen?

• Vehicle engines

• Acid rain