What this topic covers
Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere has 3 subtopics:
- The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
- Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
- Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
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GCSE AQA Foundation Combined Science Chemistry · Topic 9 of 11
Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere – GCSE AQA Foundation Combined Science Chemistry revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere covers The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases, and Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources in GCSE AQA Foundation Combined Science Chemistry. 20 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere for GCSE AQA Foundation Combined Science Chemistry. 20 lessons across 3 subtopics.
20
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere lessons by subtopic
20 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
- How Earth's Early Atmosphere Formed
- Changes in Early Atmospheric Composition
- How Photosynthesis Increased Atmospheric Oxygen
- How Earth's Atmosphere Changed Over Time
- How Photosynthesis Reduced Carbon Dioxide
- Formation of Carbon-Rich Deposits
- The composition of today's atmosphere
- The stability of atmospheric composition
Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
- Human Activities That Increase Greenhouse Gases
- Evaluating Climate Change Evidence and Scientific Communication
- What are greenhouse gases and why are they important?
- How does the greenhouse effect work?
- Understanding Carbon Footprints
- Reducing Carbon Footprints
- Understanding Global Climate Change
- Scale and Implications of Climate Change
Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE AQA Foundation Combined Science Chemistry topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere?
Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere covers The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases, and Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources in GCSE AQA Foundation Combined Science Chemistry. 20 lessons in 3 subtopics.
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
The balanced equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. The How Photosynthesis Increased Atmospheric Oxygen notes cover this in full.
How old is the Earth?
The Earth is about 4.6 billion years old. The How Earth's Early Atmosphere Formed notes cover this in full.
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
The word equation for photosynthesis is carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen, in the presence of light and chlorophyll. The How Photosynthesis Reduced Carbon Dioxide notes cover this in full.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event. The Understanding Carbon Footprints notes cover this in full.
What are greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gases are gases that can absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, keeping Earth warm. The What are greenhouse gases and why are they important? notes cover this in full.
How is coal formed?
Coal formed from ancient plants that absorbed carbon dioxide by photosynthesis about 300 million years ago. The Formation of Carbon-Rich Deposits notes cover this in full.
What are particulates?
Particulates are microscopic solid particles in the atmosphere, including soot, unburned fuel fragments and other combustion residues. The Fuel Composition and Combustion Products notes cover this in full.
What is carbon capture and storage?
Carbon capture and storage means capturing carbon dioxide from factory chimneys and storing it underground, so it does not enter the atmosphere. The Reducing Carbon Footprints notes cover this in full.