Increases in Greenhouse Gases - AP Environmental Science

What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?

$CO_2$ . Carbon dioxide consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.
What process in plants helps reduce atmospheric $CO_2$ levels?

Photosynthesis. Plants absorb atmospheric $CO_2$ to produce glucose and oxygen.
Which human activity is a major source of nitrous oxide emissions?

Fertilizer application. Nitrogen fertilizers break down in soil, releasing $N_2O$ through bacterial processes.
What is the effect of $CO_2$ on ocean acidity?

Increases ocean acidity. Dissolved $CO_2$ forms carbonic acid, making oceans more acidic over time.
Which greenhouse gas is used in electrical insulation and has a high global warming potential?

Sulfur hexafluoride ( $SF_6$ ). Used in electrical equipment, $SF_6$ has extremely high heat-trapping capacity.
What is the primary cause of the greenhouse effect?

Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, warming the atmosphere.
What is the main anthropogenic source of atmospheric $CO_2$ ?

Fossil fuel combustion. Human burning of fossil fuels dominates global $CO_2$ emissions.
Which international agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Paris Agreement. International treaty commits countries to limit global warming to below 2°C.
Which human activity is the largest contributor to atmospheric carbon dioxide?

Burning fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas combustion releases the most anthropogenic $CO_2$ annually.
Which gas is a significant component of smog and also acts as a greenhouse gas?

Ozone ( $O_3$ ). Ground-level ozone forms from pollutants and acts as a potent greenhouse gas.
Which greenhouse gas results from both natural and human sources like wetlands and fossil fuel extraction?

Methane ( $CH_4$ ). Wetlands produce methane naturally; humans add more through agriculture and energy.
What is the chemical formula for methane?

$CH_4$ . Methane contains one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
Identify a natural source of methane emissions.

Wetlands. Anaerobic bacteria in marshes and swamps naturally produce methane gas.
Which greenhouse gas is primarily associated with aerosols?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs were commonly used as propellants in spray cans and foam products.
State one method to mitigate increases in greenhouse gases.

Renewable energy use. Solar, wind, and hydropower replace fossil fuels, reducing $CO_2$ emissions.
Identify a consequence of melting polar ice caps due to global warming.

Sea level rise. Thermal expansion and glacial melting increase ocean volume and coastal flooding.
What term describes the trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse effect. Natural process where atmospheric gases trap heat to warm Earth's surface.
Which greenhouse gas is released from rice paddies?

Methane ( $CH_4$ ). Anaerobic bacteria in flooded rice fields decompose organic matter, producing methane.
What is the primary source of water vapor, the most abundant greenhouse gas?

Evaporation. Solar energy causes water to evaporate from oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Which sector is a major contributor to $CO_2$ emissions?

Transportation. Cars, trucks, ships, and planes burn fossil fuels, releasing substantial $CO_2$ .
Identify the greenhouse gas released from the burning of coal.

Carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ). Coal combustion releases stored carbon as $CO_2$ into the atmosphere.
State the effect of increased greenhouse gases on weather patterns.

More extreme weather events. Higher temperatures intensify storms, droughts, and precipitation patterns.
Identify the process by which plants convert $CO_2$ and sunlight into energy.

Photosynthesis. Plants use $CO_2$ , water, and sunlight to create glucose and release oxygen.
Identify one greenhouse gas emitted from landfills.

Methane ( $CH_4$ ). Anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces methane gas.
Which greenhouse gas has the highest global warming potential over 100 years?

Sulfur hexafluoride ( $SF_6$ ). Though rare, $SF_6$ traps heat 23,500 times more effectively than $CO_2$ .
Identify a major source of methane emissions.

Agriculture (e.g., livestock). Livestock digestion and manure decomposition release significant methane quantities.
What is the relationship between deforestation and $CO_2$ levels?

Increases $CO_2$ levels. Fewer trees mean less $CO_2$ absorption and more carbon released from soil.
Identify the main source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere.

Refrigerants and aerosols. CFCs were widely used in cooling systems and spray products before being phased out.
Identify one impact of increased greenhouse gases on global climate.

Global warming. Greenhouse gases trap heat, causing Earth's average temperature to rise.
What is the most abundant greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere?

Water vapor. Though $CO_2$ gets more attention, water vapor naturally dominates atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Identify a technological solution to capture and store $CO_2$ emissions.

Carbon capture and storage. Technology captures $CO_2$ from emissions sources and stores it underground.
What is the effect of increasing greenhouse gases on ocean pH levels?

Ocean acidification. $CO_2$ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering pH.
What is the role of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere?

Trap heat and maintain temperature. Without greenhouse gases, Earth would be too cold to support most life.
State the primary anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide.

Agricultural activities. Nitrogen fertilizers and soil management release $N_2O$ through microbial processes.
Which gas contributes to the greenhouse effect and is also a natural component of the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ). $CO_2$ occurs naturally through respiration but human activities increase concentrations.

Study these flashcards