STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 2

Climate and emission control

Explain greenhouse warming and methods of reducing emissions.

The essentials

Earth emits thermal energy. CO₂ and CH₄ absorb and emit this energy, including back towards the surface.
Planting trees removes CO₂ through photosynthesis. Less fossil fuel use and wind, solar energy or hydrogen fuel reduce CO₂ emissions.
A catalyst helps carbon monoxide react with nitrogen monoxide. Both harmful gases are converted to less harmful products.
Plants use light energy and chlorophyll to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.

State the reactants and essential conditions for photosynthesis.

Need a hint for Question 1?

Follow energy leaving Earth. Explain how the proposed change reduces a named emission.

Check Question 1

Carbon dioxide and water; light energy and chlorophyll.

Explain how greenhouse gases reduce energy loss to space.

Need a hint for Question 2?

Follow outgoing infrared radiation.

Check Question 2

They absorb outgoing thermal energy and emit it in all directions, including towards Earth, reducing net loss to space.

Balance CO + NO → CO₂ + N₂ and name one environmental benefit.

Need a hint for Question 3?

Balance oxygen, carbon and nitrogen separately.

Check Question 3

2CO + 2NO → 2CO₂ + N₂. It reduces nitrogen oxides and hence acid rain, smog or respiratory effects.

Use Lesson 2 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.

Predict · Try · Explain: Predict the effect of increasing greenhouse gases. Compare energy transfer and temperature, then explain the change.

Chapter 15: explore how greenhouse gases affect energy transfer and temperature.