Question detail
What was the likely composition of the Earth's early atmosphere?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
Question
- A. Mainly oxygen with trace nitrogen
- B. Mainly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen
- C. Equal parts nitrogen and oxygen
- D. Mainly methane with water vapour
Answer
The correct option is Mainly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to explain that water vapour condensed to form the oceans as the Earth cooled in the subtopic The Earth's early atmosphere.
Explanation
The correct option is Mainly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen. Mainly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain that water vapour condensed to form the oceans as the Earth cooled. This belongs to the subtopic The Earth's early atmosphere within The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from The Earth's early atmosphere.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Water Vapour Role
Students often confuse the role of water vapour in the early atmosphere, thinking it was primarily responsible for creating oxygen.
Clarify that water vapour condensed to form oceans, while oxygen was produced by photosynthesis from algae and plants.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.