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Over 100 years ago the Swedish chemist, Arhenius, predicted that carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of fossil fuels would cause environmental damage - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question A - 2011
Question A
Over 100 years ago the Swedish chemist, Arhenius, predicted that carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of fossil fuels would cause environmental damage. (i) Exp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Over 100 years ago the Swedish chemist, Arhenius, predicted that carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of fossil fuels would cause environmental damage - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question A - 2011
Step 1
Explain the greenhouse effect.
Answer
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed, warming the planet. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap some of this heat, preventing it from escaping into space. This leads to a warming effect on the Earth's atmosphere.
This effect is crucial, as it maintains the Earth's temperature to support life. However, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases, intensifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming.
Step 2
State one reason in each case why methane and water vapour are increasing in concentration in the atmosphere.
Answer
Methane: One reason for the increase in methane concentration is due to livestock farming, where cattle produce methane through digestion during the fermentation process.
Water vapour: Water vapour levels increase due to the evaporation of water from oceans and other bodies of water, which is enhanced by rising global temperatures.
Step 3