Carbon Cycle and Greenhouse Effect Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the carbon cycle, chemical reactions for photosynthesis and respiration, the greenhouse effect, and global warming impacts.

Ways carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere

1. Respiration by plants and animals 2. Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) 3. Decay/decomposition of dead organisms

Ways carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere

1. Photosynthesis by plants 2. Absorption by oceans 3. Formation of fossil fuels or limestone over long periods

Photosynthesis

The process where plants use carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen: $6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Respiration

The process where glucose and oxygen are used to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy}$

Carbon source

A process or entity that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Carbon sink

A reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Thermal decomposition of limestone

The process where limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated strongly to form lime (calcium oxide) and carbon dioxide: $CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2$

Carbon cycle

The sequence by which carbon moves between the atmosphere, living things, oceans, and rocks.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide increase

Two primary reasons include burning more fossil fuels and deforestation, which results in fewer trees removing $CO_2$.

Greenhouse effect

A beneficial mechanism where the atmosphere acts like greenhouse glass, allowing sunlight to enter but trapping escaping heat to keep Earth warm enough for life.

Enhanced greenhouse effect

The extra warming caused by increased levels of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities.

Greenhouse gas

A gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, that traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Concerns of the enhanced greenhouse effect

It can cause global warming, rising sea levels, extreme weather, and damage to ecosystems and agriculture.

Steps to reduce greenhouse gases

1. Use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels 2. Plant more trees or reduce deforestation

Role of tropical forests and jungles

They absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen, helping maintain the balance of atmospheric gases.

Desert cooling mechanisim

Deserts cool rapidly at night because they lack water vapor or cloud cover to trap heat, allowing it to escape quickly into space.

Implications of global warming

1. Melting ice caps and rising sea levels 2. More droughts, floods, and severe storms