Question 1: Define a greenhouse gas and explain its role in the Greenhouse Effect.

Answer: A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the Greenhouse Effect by absorbing infrared radiation and preventing it from escaping into space.

Question 1: Describe how carbon dioxide (CO₂) contributes to the Greenhouse Effect.

Answer: Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface, trapping heat in the atmosphere and warming the planet.

Question 2: Which greenhouse gas is most abundant in the Earth's atmosphere?

Answer: Carbon dioxide

Question 1: Calculate the amount of energy (in joules) absorbed by 10 kg of CO₂ in the atmosphere, given that the specific heat capacity of CO₂ is 0.85 J/g°C and the temperature increase is 10°C. Use the formula: Energy = mass (g) × specific heat capacity (J/g°C) × temperature change (°C).

Answer: 85000

Question 1: Outline a simple experiment to measure the concentration of methane in a sample of natural gas. Include variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: To measure methane concentration, use a gas syringe to collect a known volume of natural gas, then pass it through a chemical absorbent that reacts with methane, such as potassium permanganate. Control variables like temperature and pressure, and wear safety goggles and gloves to handle chemicals safely.

Question 1: A study reports the atmospheric concentrations of three greenhouse gases over a decade: CO₂ increased from 380 ppm to 410 ppm, methane from 1.8 ppm to 2.1 ppm, and nitrous oxide from 320 ppb to 330 ppb. Explain which gas shows the greatest relative increase and discuss its possible implications.

Answer: Methane shows the greatest relative increase, approximately 16.7% (from 1.8 to 2.1 ppm), compared to CO₂'s 7.9% increase and nitrous oxide's 3.1%. This suggests a significant rise in methane emissions, likely from agriculture and fossil fuel extraction, which could enhance the Greenhouse Effect and global warming.

Question 1: Describe how carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

Answer: CCS involves capturing CO₂ emitted from power plants, transporting it to a storage site, and injecting it underground into geological formations to prevent it from entering the atmosphere, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.