Proportions of Gases in the Atmosphere

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Importance of Atmospheric Gases

The Earth's atmosphere contains numerous gases, each of which has an effect on the success of our planet's organisms.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a key component of proteins, which are essential for growth.
Whilst it is abundant in the atmosphere, the producers found at the base of food chains are not able to exploit this source. Instead, they must absorb nitrogen in the form of soluble nitrates from the soil.

Oxygen

Oxygen is a reactant in respiration - a chemical reaction that takes place in all living cells.
As humans, we breathe oxygen into our lungs. From here, it diffuses into our blood and is carried to all the cells in our body.

Carbon dioxide and water vapour

Carbon dioxide and water vapour are greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases absorb and then re-radiate heat energy that is reflected off the Earth's surface. This is known as the greenhouse effect.
If the greenhouse effect is too strong, it can lead to global warming.

The Earth's Early Atmosphere

The Earth was formed roughly 4.6 billion years ago. We don't have much evidence from that long ago, but the common view (consensus view) among scientists is:

Age of the volcanoes

Highly active volcanoes were littered across the Earth's surface for the first billion years of its existence.
The frequent eruptions of these volcanoes resulted in the release of lots of carbon dioxide (as well as smaller amounts of gases such as water vapour, methane, ammonia and nitrogen).
Scientists think carbon dioxide dominated the early atmosphere in a similar way to modern-day Mars.

Reduction of carbon dioxide levels

Levels of atmospheric nitrogen accumulated steadily.
The oceans were formed as a result of the water vapour condensing.
- The formation of the oceans caused a significant reduction in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
- Carbonate precipitates were produced by reactions between the dissolved carbon dioxide and seawater. These precipitates were deposited as sediment.

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

2.1Chemical Bonds

2.1.1Types of Bonds

2.1.2Ionic Bonds

2.1.3Ionic Compounds

2.1.4Covalent & Metallic Bonds

2.1.5Representing Covalent Bonds

2.1.6Dots-And-Cross Diagrams

2.1.7Exam-Style Questions - Chemical Bonds

2.2States of Matter

2.2.1States of Matter

2.2.2Changing State

2.2.3Changing State HyperLearning

2.2.4State Symbols

2.2.5Exam-Style Questions - States of Matter

2.3Chemical Properties

2.3.1Chemical Properties of Ionic Compounds

2.3.2Chemical Properties of Small Molecules

2.3.3Molecular Forces & Polymers

2.3.4Metals & Giant Covalent Structures

2.3.5Alloys & Conductors

2.3.6Carbon Structures - Diamond & Graphite

2.3.7Carbon Structures - Graphene & Fullerenes

2.3.8Carbon Structures - Summary

2.3.9Nanoparticles

2.3.10Nanotechnology

2.3.11Surface Area to Volume Ratio & Nanotechnology Uses

2.3.12End of Topic Test - Chemical Bonding

2.3.13Grade 9 - Bonding & Structure

2.3.14Exam-Style Questions - Allotropes of Carbon

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

5.1Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

5.1.1Energy Conservation

5.1.2Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

5.1.3Reaction Profiles

5.1.4Reaction Profiles 2

5.2Chemical Cells & Fuel Cells

5.2.1Chemical Cells

5.2.2Batteries & Charging of Cells

5.2.3Fuel Cells

5.2.4Hydrogen Fuel Cell

5.2.5End of Topic Test - Energy Changes

5.2.6Grade 9 - Energy Changes

5.2.7Exam-Style Questions - Fuel Cells

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

6.1Rate of Reaction

6.1.1Chemical Reactions

6.1.2Collision Theory

6.1.3Catalysts

6.1.4Catalysts in Industry

6.2Reversible Reactions

6.2.1Reversible Reactions

6.2.2Equilibrium

6.2.3Equilibrium Position

6.2.4Equilibrium Position 2

6.2.5End of Topic Test - Rates of Reaction

6.2.6Grade 9 - Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

6.2.7Exam-Style Questions - Reversible Reactions

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

8.1Purity, Formulations & Chromatography

8.1.1Purity & Formulations

8.1.2Chromatography

8.1.3Paper Chromatography 1

8.1.4Paper Chromatography 2

8.1.5Required Practical - Paper Chromatography

8.2Identification of Common Gases

8.2.1Identification of Hydrogen & Oxygen

8.2.2Identification of Carbon Dioxide & Chlorine

8.3Identifying Ions

8.3.1Flame Tests

8.3.2Required Practical: Flame Tests

8.3.3Metal Hydroxides

8.3.4Carbonates

8.3.5Halides, Sulfates

8.3.6Methodology for Chemical Analysis

8.3.7Flame Emission Spectroscopy

8.3.8End of Topic Test - Chemical Analysis

8.3.9Grade 9 - Chemical Analysis

8.3.10Exam-Style Questions - Identification of ions

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

9.1The Earth's Atmosphere

9.1.1Proportions of Gases in the Atmosphere

9.1.2Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere

9.1.3Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities

9.1.4Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities

9.1.5Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change

9.1.6Carbon Footprints

9.1.7Common Atmospheric Pollutants & Their Properties

9.1.8End of Topic Test - The Earth

9.1.9Grade 9 - Chemistry of the Atmosphere

9.1.10Exam-Style Questions - Earth's Atmosphere

10Using Resources

10.1Using the Earth's Resources

10.1.1Potable Water & its Sources

10.1.2Potable Water in the UK & in Saudi Arabia

10.1.3Natural Resources

10.1.4Waste Water

10.1.5Metal Ore Extraction & the Properties of Copper

10.1.6Overexploitation & Alternative Extraction Methods

10.2Life Cycle Assessments & Recycling

10.2.1Life Cycle Assessments

10.2.2Difficulties with LCA

10.2.3Reducing Resource Usage

10.2.4Reducing Use of Metal and Glass

10.2.5Exam-Style Questions - Life Cycle Assessments

10.3Using Materials

10.3.1Corrosion

10.3.2Alloys

10.3.3Ceramics

10.3.4Polymers & Composites

10.4The Haber Process & NPK Fertilisers

10.4.1The Haber Process

10.4.2The Haber Process - Equation & Trade-Offs

10.4.3Formulated vs Manure Fertilisers

10.4.4NPK Fertilisers 1

10.4.5NPK Fertilisers 2

10.4.6End of Topic Test - Resources

10.4.7Grade 9 - Using Resources

10.4.8Exam-Style Questions - The Haber Process

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