Year 10 Science Exam - Greenhouse Effect

What are the three most important processes in the carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis, Respiration, Combustion

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2

What is the purpose of respiration in living organisms?

To use the chemical energy in carbohydrates for metabolism, growth, and maintaining body temperature.

What occurs during combustion of carbon-based fuels?

Energy, water, and carbon dioxide are released.

How does carbon dioxide contribute to the greenhouse effect?

It traps heat in the atmosphere.

What is the natural greenhouse effect?

The natural warming of the earth's lower atmosphere.

What would the average surface temperature of Earth be without the greenhouse effect?

About -15º C.

Name four common greenhouse gases.

CO2 (carbon dioxide), N2O (nitrous oxide), CH4 (methane), O3 (ozone)

What happens to solar radiation as it reaches the Earth's surface?

It heats up the surface and is then radiated upwards as thermal energy.

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

The increase in greenhouse gas concentration due to anthropogenic (human) activities.

List some impacts of global warming.

Increased global temperatures, rise in sea levels, climate change, melting of polar ice caps, warming of oceans, ocean acidification.

What is ocean acidification?

The process where CO2 dissolves in oceans, forming carbonic acid, which harms aquatic life.

What is the chemical equation for the formation of carbonic acid in oceans?

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 (carbonic acid)

Why is ocean acidification harmful to marine organisms?

It can dissolve calcium carbonate structures, harming shellfish and coral.

What percentage of marine life depends on coral habitats?

25% of all marine life.

What are some solutions to mitigate global warming?

Limit logging of forests, plant trees, burn less fossil fuel, use alternative energy sources.

How does scientific research contribute to solving environmental problems?

It develops innovative solutions that address societal, environmental, and economic issues.

What is an example of a project that uses waste to create a new product?

Potatoes South Australia developing vodka from waste potato peel.

What does the SHE concept of influence refer to?

How societal values and concerns drive scientific research and innovation.

What limitation is highlighted in the potato vodka project?

The need to test and gather data to confirm if the process produces high-quality vodka.

What is the SHE concept of development in science?

The evolution of science and technology to solve real-world problems.

What can successful projects in sustainable industries lead to?

Reduced food waste and the creation of valuable resources from waste.