Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
I can explain how changing factors in the carbon cycle affects the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over time.
- Year 11
- AQA
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
I can explain how changing factors in the carbon cycle affects the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over time.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The combustion of fossil fuels adds more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
- Carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere in one place will, over time, spread throughout Earth’s atmosphere.
- Plants act as carbon sinks because, as they grow, they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- The decomposition or combustion of plants returns the carbon they are storing into the atmosphere.
- Human activity is adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere more quickly than it is being removed by natural processes.
Keywords
Atmosphere - a layer of gases that surrounds a planet, which may also contain particles of solids and liquids
Carbon sink - a process or system that takes more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases
Combustion - an exothermic chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen
Decomposition - the breaking down of dead organic matter by microorganisms
Common misconception
Plants can absorb all of the carbon dioxide that human activity adds to the atmosphere.
Talk to the pupils about what happens to the carbon dioxide absorbed by plants so that they understand how the size and number of plants determine the maximum amount of carbon dioxide they can store.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are greenhouse gases?
Q2.What key term do we use to describe the layer of gas that surrounds a planet?
Q3.Which of the following is a correct equation for complete combustion?
Q4.Which of the following is the correct equation for respiration?
Q5.Which of the following lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Q6.Order the statements to describe how carbon dioxide becomes 'locked up' in sedimentary rocks.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The complete combustion of fossil fuels produces water and which other product?
Q2.Match the scientific key term with the correct definition
