The Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis equation (atmosphere to plants)

carbon dioxide + water -> (light) glucose + oxygen

aerobic respiration equation (animals to atmosphere)

glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water

photosynthesis (1)

'Fixes' carbon atoms from carbon dioxide into organic compounds

combustion equation ( fossil fuels to atmosphere)

wood or fossil fuel + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water

carbon dioxide is found in the ... and dissolved in ....

air + water

decomposition

decomposes break down dead plants and animals (can produce biogas methane to be used as fuel)

feeding / assimilation (2)

feeding pass carbon atoms already in organic compounds along food chains

respiration (3)

produces inorganic compounds (co2) from organic compounds (eg carbs) as they are broken down to release energy

fossilisation (4)

sometimes living things do not decay fully when they die due to the conditions in the soil (decay prevented if soil is too acidic) and fossil fuels are formed

combustion (5)

releases CO2 into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are formed

large stores of carbon are called

carbon sinks (e.g peat bogs)