Question 1: The early Earth's atmosphere was primarily composed of which gases? Provide at least two main components.

Answer: Methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen

Question 2: Explain why the early atmosphere was different from today's atmosphere in terms of oxygen content.

Answer: The early atmosphere had very little or no free oxygen because photosynthetic organisms had not yet evolved.

Question 1: Describe how volcanic activity contributed to the composition of the early atmosphere.

Answer: Volcanoes released gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor, which contributed to forming the early atmosphere.

Question 2: Which process led to the increase of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere? Briefly explain.

Answer: Photosynthesis by cyanobacteria and other early life forms produced oxygen as a waste product, gradually increasing atmospheric oxygen.

Question 1: Calculate the volume of oxygen (O₂) produced if 10 grams of glucose undergoes photosynthesis, considering the simplified reaction: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂. (Molar mass of glucose = 180 g/mol, and oxygen = 32 g/mol).

Answer: 0.267 mol O₂, which corresponds to approximately 8.54 liters at standard conditions.

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate the presence of water vapor in Earth's early atmosphere, including the safety precautions involved.

Answer: A common experiment involves heating a sample of volcanic rock or ash in a test tube to release water vapor, which then condenses on a cooler surface. Safety precautions include wearing safety goggles, handling hot equipment carefully, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Question 1: A sample of atmospheric gas collected from ancient rock shows 95% carbon dioxide and 5% nitrogen. What does this tell you about the atmosphere at that time? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: It indicates that the atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide and had very little nitrogen, consistent with early Earth conditions before the rise of oxygen and nitrogen-dominated atmosphere.

Question 1: How does understanding the composition of the early atmosphere help scientists develop models for exoplanet atmospheres?

Answer: It helps scientists compare chemical compositions, understand atmospheric evolution, and identify potential habitability of exoplanets based on their atmospheric gases.

Question 2: Discuss how studying Earth's early atmosphere can influence technological advancements in climate change mitigation today.

Answer: Understanding the processes that led to atmospheric changes helps scientists develop strategies to manage greenhouse gases, design carbon capture technologies, and predict future climate trends, thereby aiding efforts to mitigate climate change.