Question 1: Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the Sun, helping to maintain Earth's temperature. Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and water vapor. Their ability to trap heat depends on their concentration and properties.

Answer: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, maintaining Earth's temperature, and include CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and water vapor.

Question 1: Define a greenhouse gas.

Answer: A greenhouse gas is an atmospheric gas that traps heat from the Sun, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Question 2: Explain how greenhouse gases contribute to global warming.

Answer: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space, which leads to an increase in Earth's average temperature, known as global warming.

Question 3: List two major human activities that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Answer: Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Question 1: Calculate the increase in the amount of CO₂ (in grams) released when 5 liters of gasoline (density = 0.75 g/mL) is burned, given that burning 1 liter of gasoline produces approximately 2.3 kg of CO₂. Use the formula: Mass of CO₂ = (liters of gasoline) × (2.3 kg/liter).

Answer: 11.5 kg

Question 2: If the concentration of methane (CH₄) in the atmosphere increases from 1.8 ppm to 2.2 ppm, what is the increase in the mass of methane in a 1,000,000-liter volume of air? (Note: 1 ppm = 1 part per million, and the molar mass of CH₄ is 16 g/mol. Assume ideal gas behavior at standard conditions where 1 mol occupies 22.4 liters).

Answer: Approximately 50.9 grams

Question 1: Describe a simple experimental setup to demonstrate the effect of carbon dioxide on temperature. Include the variables involved and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment can involve placing a small amount of vinegar (acidic solution) and baking soda in a sealed container to produce CO₂ gas. A thermometer inside the container measures temperature changes. The independent variable is the amount of vinegar or baking soda; the dependent variable is temperature. Safety precautions include handling acids carefully, working in a well-ventilated area, and avoiding inhalation of gases directly.

Question 1: A report states that the concentration of nitrous oxide (N₂O) has increased by 0.3 ppm over the last decade. Discuss the potential impact of this increase on global warming and why N₂O is considered a potent greenhouse gas.

Answer: The increase can contribute to more heat being trapped, enhancing global warming. N₂O is potent because it has a high global warming potential and a long atmospheric lifespan, making its increase significant for climate change.

Question 1: Explain the role of greenhouse gases in maintaining Earth's temperature. Include in your answer how human activities have altered this natural balance. (6 marks)

Answer: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a natural greenhouse effect that keeps Earth's surface warm enough to support life. Human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes have increased the concentration of these gases, intensifying the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

Question 1: Describe how carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology helps reduce greenhouse gases in industrial emissions.

Answer: CCS captures CO₂ emissions from industrial sources and stores them underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas levels and mitigating climate change.