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J
Jess Drew
6/10/2022
Chemistry
Atmospheric composition
215
•
Jun 10, 2022
•
How Earth's Early Air Was Made and Why Pollution Matters
J
Jess Drew
@rj2105
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Atmospheric Pollutants and Their Effects
Various pollutants have significant impacts on the environment and human health. The main pollutants discussed are carbon monoxide, carbon particulates, and acidic oxides.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that poses severe health risks. How carbon monoxide affects health is particularly concerning due to its high toxicity. It binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen from circulating throughout the body.
Definition: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Carbon particulates, small particles of soot formed by incomplete combustion, adhere to the lungs, potentially causing bronchitis and heart disease.
Acidic oxides, which are non-metal oxides, dissolve in water to create acid rain. This phenomenon has devastating effects on ecosystems, often leading to their destruction as ecological niches disappear.
The formation of acid rain occurs when certain pollutants dissolve in water:
- SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
- NO2 + H2O → HNO2
- CO2 + H2O → H2CO3
Example: Acid rain can make lakes more acidic, destroying ecological niches and causing widespread damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Problems caused by acid rain include:
- Increased acidity in lakes, destroying ecological niches
- Corrosion of infrastructure and transport systems
- Destruction of forests due to wood corrosion
The production of carbon monoxide often involves the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. For instance, methane can produce carbon monoxide through the following reaction:
CH4 + 1.5O2 → CO + 2H2O
In this reaction, methane burns in oxygen, with carbon being oxidized to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen being oxidized to form water.
Climate Change and Global Warming
The Earth's climate is significantly affected by the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide and methane. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's temperature.
Definition: The greenhouse effect is the process by which carbon dioxide and methane in the Earth's atmosphere absorb heat from the sun and emit it in all directions, keeping the Earth warm.
Global warming refers to the sustained increase in the Earth's average temperature. This phenomenon is closely linked to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities.
Vocabulary: Climate change - Permanent change in the Earth's weather patterns as a result of human actions, including the release of large quantities of carbon dioxide.
The impact of pollutants on climate change is significant and far-reaching. The release of greenhouse gases, particularly through industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels, has led to a rapid increase in global temperatures. This warming trend has cascading effects on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems worldwide.
Highlight: The interconnectedness of atmospheric composition, pollutants, and climate change underscores the importance of understanding and addressing human impacts on the environment.
Understanding the formation of Earth's early atmosphere, the effects of pollutants, and the mechanisms of climate change is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate environmental damage and protect human health. As we continue to study these phenomena, it becomes increasingly clear that human activities have profound impacts on the delicate balance of our planet's atmosphere and climate systems.
Formation of Earth's Atmosphere and Early Life
The Earth's atmosphere has undergone significant changes since the planet's formation. Initially, volcanic activity played a crucial role in shaping the atmospheric composition. The early atmosphere was primarily composed of carbon dioxide (20.5%), water vapor (70.5%), sulfur dioxide (6.9%), hydrogen (0.9%), and other gases (1.2%).
Vocabulary: Pollutant - A substance released into the environment which may harm living things.
The current atmosphere consists of:
- Nitrogen (N₂) - 78%
- Oxygen (O₂) - 21%
- Argon (Ar) - 0.9%
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) - 0.04%
The drastic reduction in carbon dioxide levels can be attributed to several factors. Most of the CO2 dissolved into the sea, was used for photosynthesis by early life forms, and became trapped in rocks. Seashells, for instance, are formed by carbon dioxide.
Example: Seashells are a prime example of how carbon dioxide can be locked up in solid form, contributing to the reduction of atmospheric CO2 levels.
The timeline of Earth's atmospheric evolution includes:
- 4500 million years ago: Volcanoes released CO2, water, and nitrogen into the atmosphere.
- The early atmosphere was mostly CO2 with some ammonia and steam.
- Water vapor condensed and fell to Earth, forming the world's oceans.
- 3.4 billion years ago: The first life forms appeared, not requiring oxygen.
- CO2 levels fell as it became locked up in sedimentary rocks.
- Oxygen levels increased, allowing for the emergence of animals.
- The first bacteria formed, followed by plants that began to photosynthesize, releasing oxygen as a waste product.
Highlight: The evolution of photosynthesizing organisms was a crucial turning point in Earth's history, leading to the oxygen-rich atmosphere we have today.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
How Earth's Early Air Was Made and Why Pollution Matters
J
Jess Drew
@rj2105
The Earth's atmosphere evolved from volcanic gases to its current composition, with significant changes in carbon dioxide levels. Formation of Earth's early atmosphereinvolved volcanic activity releasing gases like CO2, water vapor, and nitrogen. Over time, CO2 decreased through various... Show more
Atmospheric Pollutants and Their Effects
Various pollutants have significant impacts on the environment and human health. The main pollutants discussed are carbon monoxide, carbon particulates, and acidic oxides.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that poses severe health risks. How carbon monoxide affects health is particularly concerning due to its high toxicity. It binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen from circulating throughout the body.
Definition: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Carbon particulates, small particles of soot formed by incomplete combustion, adhere to the lungs, potentially causing bronchitis and heart disease.
Acidic oxides, which are non-metal oxides, dissolve in water to create acid rain. This phenomenon has devastating effects on ecosystems, often leading to their destruction as ecological niches disappear.
The formation of acid rain occurs when certain pollutants dissolve in water:
- SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
- NO2 + H2O → HNO2
- CO2 + H2O → H2CO3
Example: Acid rain can make lakes more acidic, destroying ecological niches and causing widespread damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Problems caused by acid rain include:
- Increased acidity in lakes, destroying ecological niches
- Corrosion of infrastructure and transport systems
- Destruction of forests due to wood corrosion
The production of carbon monoxide often involves the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. For instance, methane can produce carbon monoxide through the following reaction:
CH4 + 1.5O2 → CO + 2H2O
In this reaction, methane burns in oxygen, with carbon being oxidized to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen being oxidized to form water.
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Climate Change and Global Warming
The Earth's climate is significantly affected by the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide and methane. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's temperature.
Definition: The greenhouse effect is the process by which carbon dioxide and methane in the Earth's atmosphere absorb heat from the sun and emit it in all directions, keeping the Earth warm.
Global warming refers to the sustained increase in the Earth's average temperature. This phenomenon is closely linked to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities.
Vocabulary: Climate change - Permanent change in the Earth's weather patterns as a result of human actions, including the release of large quantities of carbon dioxide.
The impact of pollutants on climate change is significant and far-reaching. The release of greenhouse gases, particularly through industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels, has led to a rapid increase in global temperatures. This warming trend has cascading effects on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems worldwide.
Highlight: The interconnectedness of atmospheric composition, pollutants, and climate change underscores the importance of understanding and addressing human impacts on the environment.
Understanding the formation of Earth's early atmosphere, the effects of pollutants, and the mechanisms of climate change is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate environmental damage and protect human health. As we continue to study these phenomena, it becomes increasingly clear that human activities have profound impacts on the delicate balance of our planet's atmosphere and climate systems.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Formation of Earth's Atmosphere and Early Life
The Earth's atmosphere has undergone significant changes since the planet's formation. Initially, volcanic activity played a crucial role in shaping the atmospheric composition. The early atmosphere was primarily composed of carbon dioxide (20.5%), water vapor (70.5%), sulfur dioxide (6.9%), hydrogen (0.9%), and other gases (1.2%).
Vocabulary: Pollutant - A substance released into the environment which may harm living things.
The current atmosphere consists of:
- Nitrogen (N₂) - 78%
- Oxygen (O₂) - 21%
- Argon (Ar) - 0.9%
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) - 0.04%
The drastic reduction in carbon dioxide levels can be attributed to several factors. Most of the CO2 dissolved into the sea, was used for photosynthesis by early life forms, and became trapped in rocks. Seashells, for instance, are formed by carbon dioxide.
Example: Seashells are a prime example of how carbon dioxide can be locked up in solid form, contributing to the reduction of atmospheric CO2 levels.
The timeline of Earth's atmospheric evolution includes:
- 4500 million years ago: Volcanoes released CO2, water, and nitrogen into the atmosphere.
- The early atmosphere was mostly CO2 with some ammonia and steam.
- Water vapor condensed and fell to Earth, forming the world's oceans.
- 3.4 billion years ago: The first life forms appeared, not requiring oxygen.
- CO2 levels fell as it became locked up in sedimentary rocks.
- Oxygen levels increased, allowing for the emergence of animals.
- The first bacteria formed, followed by plants that began to photosynthesize, releasing oxygen as a waste product.
Highlight: The evolution of photosynthesizing organisms was a crucial turning point in Earth's history, leading to the oxygen-rich atmosphere we have today.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user