DP Chemistry Questionbank

Explain the effect of the increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide on the acidity of oceans.

(i) Describe the changes that occur at the molecular level when atmospheric carbon dioxide gas absorbs infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface.

(ii) Other than changes to the acidity of oceans, suggest why the production of carbon dioxide is of greater concern than the production of water vapour.

Carbon dioxide has two different bond stretching modes illustrated below.

Predict, with an explanation, whether these stretching modes will absorb infrared radiation.

Outline, giving the appropriate equation(s), how increasing levels of carbon dioxide will affect the pH of the oceans.

Suggest why it is only in recent years that specific predictions of the future effects of fossil fuel combustion have been made.

Many combustion processes also release particulate matter into the atmosphere. Suggest, giving your reason, how this might affect the temperature of the Earth’s surface.

Identify which region, A or B, corresponds to each type of radiation by completing the table.

Describe how large amounts of CO₂ could reduce the pH of the ocean using an equation to support your answer.

Oceans can act as a carbon sink, removing some CO₂(g) from the atmosphere.

CO₂(g) $\rightleftharpoons$ CO₂(aq)

Aqueous carbon dioxide, CO₂(aq), quickly reacts with ocean water in a new equilibrium reaction. Construct the equilibrium equation for this reaction including state symbols.

When combusted, all three fuels can release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, as well as particulates. Contrast how carbon dioxide and particulates interact with sunlight.

Methane is another greenhouse gas. Contrast the reasons why methane and carbon dioxide are considered significant greenhouse gases.

When combusted, all three fuels can release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, as well as particulates. Contrast how carbon dioxide and particulates interact with sunlight.

Methane is another greenhouse gas. Contrast the reasons why methane and carbon dioxide are considered significant greenhouse gases.

Climate change or global warming is a consequence of increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Explain how the greenhouse effect warms the surface of the earth.

Identify one naturally occurring greenhouse gas, other than carbon dioxide or water vapour, and its natural source.

The concentrations of oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere are much greater than those of greenhouse gases. Outline why these gases do not absorb infrared radiation.

Formulate an equation that shows how aqueous carbon dioxide produces hydrogen ions, H⁺(aq).

Explain the molecular mechanism by which carbon dioxide acts as a greenhouse gas.

Discuss the significance of two greenhouse gases, other than carbon dioxide, in causing global warming or climate change.

Explain, using an equation, the effect of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on the pH of lake water.

Explain, using an equation, the effect of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on the pH of lake water.

Compare methane’s atmospheric abundance and greenhouse effect to that of carbon dioxide.

Explain how methane absorbs infrared (IR) radiation by referring to its molecular geometry and dipole moment.

Outline one approach to controlling industrial emissions of carbon dioxide.

Describe the effect of infrared (IR) radiation on carbon dioxide molecules.

Compare methane’s atmospheric abundance and greenhouse effect to that of carbon dioxide.

Explain how methane absorbs infrared (IR) radiation by referring to its molecular geometry and dipole moment.

Outline one approach to controlling industrial emissions of carbon dioxide.

State one greenhouse gas, other than carbon dioxide.

Describe the effect of infrared (IR) radiation on carbon dioxide molecules.