Question detail

In The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere, which option helps you spot the common incorrect interpretation: Recall that the Earth's atmosphere contains small proportions of other gases including carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere

Question

A. Carbon dioxide
B. A related atmosphere statement, but it misses the misconception angle required here.
C. A misconception that belongs to a neighbouring Chemistry of the atmosphere objective.
D. A vague claim that does not connect The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere to the specification point.

Answer

The correct option is Carbon dioxide. For this misconception question, that option is correct because it matches Recall that the Earth's atmosphere contains small proportions of other gases including carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases in The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide is the correct answer for this AQA GCSE Chemistry atmosphere question. The best answer fixes the misconception rather than repeating it. The learning objective is: Recall that the Earth's atmosphere contains small proportions of other gases including carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases. In The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, this means the explanation must use the subtopic The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere and avoid drifting into a different gas, pollutant, climate, or early-atmosphere idea. Checkpoint 16: this page uses the misconception angle so students can practise one distinct reasoning route before moving to the next question.

Common mistake

Common Mistake in Gas Proportions

Students often confuse the proportions of carbon dioxide and noble gases in the atmosphere, thinking noble gases are more abundant.

Remember that noble gases are present in very small amounts compared to carbon dioxide, which is also a minor component but more significant than noble gases.

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In The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere, which option helps you define the chemistry term precisely: Recall that the Earth's atmosphere contains small proportions of other gases including carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases?