Question 1: Define the term 'carbon sink' and give an example relevant to ecosystems.

Answer: A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as forests or oceans.

Question 2: Explain how plants contribute to the carbon cycle.

Answer: Plants contribute by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and storing carbon in their biomass.

Question 3: What is the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle?

Answer: Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Question 1: Calculate the amount of carbon dioxide (in grams) absorbed by a forest that stores 5000 kg of biomass, given that 50% of the biomass is carbon. (Note: 1 kg biomass contains approximately 0.5 kg of carbon.)

Answer: 1250 grams

Question 2: If a factory emits 2000 kg of CO2 daily, how many grams of CO2 are emitted per day? Show your calculation.

Answer: 2,000,000 grams

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to measure the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by a plant over one week. List the variables you would control and the safety precautions you would take.

Answer: Students would control variables such as light, temperature, and water. They would measure CO2 absorption using a CO2 sensor or by collecting and analyzing air samples. Safety precautions include handling equipment carefully, avoiding ingestion or inhalation of chemicals, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Question 1: A forensic scientist finds elevated levels of carbon isotopes in a sample taken from a decomposed body. Explain how this information can be used to determine the body’s recent environment, considering the carbon cycle.

Answer: Different environments have distinct carbon isotope signatures. Elevated levels of certain isotopes can indicate whether the body was in an area with high plant activity or specific carbon sources, helping forensic scientists deduce the body’s recent location.

Question 1: Describe how carbon capture technology can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its potential impact on forensic investigations related to carbon sources.

Answer: Carbon capture technology involves trapping CO2 emissions from industrial sources before they reach the atmosphere. This reduces greenhouse gases and mitigates climate change. In forensic science, understanding these technologies helps trace the origins of carbon emissions and differentiates between natural and industrial sources in environmental samples.

Question 1: Which process in the carbon cycle primarily involves the transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to living organisms?

Answer: Photosynthesis

Question 2: What is a major human activity that increases atmospheric CO2 levels?

Answer: Burning fossil fuels