Atmosphere and Pollution Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is known for having the highest temperatures?

  • Mesosphere
  • Ionosphere (correct)
  • Stratosphere
  • Troposphere

What is a significant characteristic of the stratosphere?

  • It contains ozone that protects life on Earth. (correct)
  • It is where most weather phenomena occur.
  • It has the highest concentration of water vapor.
  • It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere.

Which layer serves as the densest part of the atmosphere?

  • Troposphere (correct)
  • Exosphere
  • Stratosphere
  • Mesosphere

In which layer do large jets typically fly to avoid turbulence?

<p>Stratosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the mesosphere?

<p>It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases is present in the highest percentage in the atmosphere?

<p>Nitrogen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a harmful substance that contributes to air pollution?

<p>H2O (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ozone layer in the atmosphere?

<p>Absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following human activities is NOT a significant contributor to air pollution?

<p>Planting trees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical formula for glucose, the sugar produced by plants during photosynthesis?

<p>C6H12O6 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source used by green plants during photosynthesis?

<p>Light energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main product released during respiration?

<p>Carbon dioxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration?

<p>Photosynthesis and respiration are opposite processes, with the products of one serving as reactants for the other. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gas in the atmosphere is used in the process of photosynthesis?

<p>Carbon dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason helium is used to fill weather balloons?

<p>Helium is a very light gas, making it ideal for lifting equipment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the atmosphere, according to the text?

<p>To regulate global temperatures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a use of carbon dioxide as described in the text?

<p>To produce electricity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor responsible for the decrease in air pressure as altitude increases?

<p>The decreasing density of air as altitude increases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is NOT found in the atmosphere as described in the text?

<p>Hydrogen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a mercury barometer and an aneroid barometer?

<p>A mercury barometer measures air pressure based on the weight of mercury, while an aneroid barometer measures it based on changes in the volume of a sealed container. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why argon, krypton, and xenon are used in light bulbs?

<p>They are very reactive, making them ideal for lighting applications. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pollutants

Substances that contaminate the environment and can cause harm to life.

Composition of Air

Air is made up of Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Argon (0.93%), Carbon dioxide (0.03%) and more.

Acid Rain

Rain that has been made acidic by pollutants, harmful to ecosystems.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

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Relationship of Photosynthesis and Respiration

Photosynthesis produces oxygen and glucose, respiration uses them to release energy.

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Respiration

The process by which living organisms break down glucose in the presence of oxygen, releasing energy.

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Harmful substances from CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons from products like aerosols, deplete the ozone layer.

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Ozone Layer

A protective layer of ozone in the atmosphere that shields Earth from harmful UV rays.

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Air Pressure

The weight of the air above a given place on Earth.

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Gravity

The force that pulls everything toward the center of the Earth.

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Nitrogen Uses

Used to make fertilizers and explosives.

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Oxygen Functions

Supports respiration, burning, and rusting.

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Barometer

An instrument used to measure air pressure.

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Atmosphere

A protective layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

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Helium Uses

Used to fill balloons and for safe deep-sea diving mixtures.

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Exosphere

Outer layer of the atmosphere, extends into space.

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Ionosphere

Layer where sun strips electrons from atoms, forming ions.

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Mesosphere

Middle layer of the atmosphere; coldest layer at ~-80°C.

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Stratosphere

Layer above the troposphere, contains ozone and flies jets.

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Troposphere

Layer surrounding the earth where weather occurs, contains most water vapor.

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Study Notes

The Atmosphere

  • Air is a mixture of gases, including essential gases for life and harmful pollutants.
  • Major components include nitrogen (~78%), oxygen (~21%), argon (~0.93%), and carbon dioxide (~0.03%).
  • Other inert gases and water vapor are present in smaller, variable quantities.
  • Pollutants (CO, SO₂, NO₂, H₂S, soot) are present in varying amounts.
  • Pollution is the contamination of the environment by harmful substances.

Pollution Concerns

  • Pollution is a growing concern because of the formation of acid rain, water table contamination, and the buildup of non-biodegradable waste.
  • Pollution leads to various health problems.
  • The ozone layer is being depleted by harmful substances like CFCs, leading to increased harmful ultraviolet rays.

Photosynthesis and Respiration

  • Photosynthesis: Plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen using sunlight.
  • Respiration: Living organisms break down glucose in the presence of oxygen, releasing energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
  • Photosynthesis and respiration are chemical opposites.

Air Pressure

  • Air pressure is the weight of air above a given point on Earth.
  • Air pressure decreases as elevation increases.
  • Heavier gases are closer to Earth's surface, lighter gases are further out.

Importance of Gases in Air

  • Nitrogen: Used in fertilizers, explosives.
  • Oxygen: Used for respiration and supports burning.
  • Carbon dioxide: Used to put out fires, photosynthesis, and for fizzy drinks.
  • Water vapor: Involved in the formation of clouds, chemical reactions in living organisms.
  • Neon, krypton, xenon: Used in light bulbs; they do not react with metals.
  • Helium: Used in balloons and weather forecasting equipment due to its low density.
  • Hydrogen: Used in margarine and fertilizers.

Atmospheric Layers

  • The atmosphere is divided into layers (exosphere, ionosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere).
  • Each layer has distinct characteristics (temperature, composition, and function).
  • The atmosphere protects the Earth from extreme temperatures and harmful radiation.

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Unit 10: The Atmosphere PDF

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