Chemistry of the atmosphere

Topics

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Recall that the Earth's atmosphere contains small proportions of other gases including carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Interpret simple data showing the proportions of gases in the atmosphere.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Evaluate evidence and uncertainty when discussing the Earth's early atmosphere.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Recall that volcanoes released carbon dioxide, water vapour and nitrogen.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Link the increase in atmospheric oxygen to the development of more complex life.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Describe how oxygen levels increased gradually as photosynthetic organisms became more widespread.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Explain that dissolved carbon dioxide was used to form carbonate precipitates.
• The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere: Describe limestone, coal, crude oil and natural gas as long-term carbon stores.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Explain how greenhouse gases help maintain temperatures on Earth.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Explain that increased concentrations of greenhouse gases can increase the amount of energy retained in the atmosphere.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Explain how landfill sites can release methane from decomposition.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Describe how cattle and rice fields can contribute to methane emissions.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Explain that increased greenhouse gas concentrations are linked to global climate change.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Explain why climate change can affect ecosystems, agriculture and human communities.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Describe how improving energy efficiency can reduce carbon footprints.
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases: Evaluate methods for reducing carbon footprints in terms of cost, practicality and effectiveness.
• Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources: Explain that combustion of fuels can release atmospheric pollutants.
• Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources: Distinguish carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas from pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and particulates.
• Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources: Explain that particulates can cause global dimming by reflecting sunlight.
• Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources: Explain that oxides of nitrogen can contribute to photochemical smog.