Question 1

Scientists believe they know the average global temperature over the last 160,000 years.Which property of the ice core samples from Antarctica provides this information? A)The thickness B)The carbon dioxide concentration C)The ¹H/²H ratio D)The temperature

Accepted Answer

The ¹H/²H ratio, also known as the ratio of hydrogen isotopes, provides information about past temperatures. This is because the ratio changes with temperature, allowing scientists to infer historical climate conditions.

Question 2

Determine the shape or geometry of PH₃.(Hint: Use the Periodic Table to arrive at the electron configuration for phosphorous. ) A)Tetrahedral B)Trigonal pyramidal C)Bent D)Trigonal planar

Accepted Answer

The electron configuration for phosphorous is [Ne] 3s2 3p3. Therefore, PH₃ has five electron domains around it (one for each lone pair and each bond), which gives it a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. However, one of the domains is a lone pair, which means the molecule is polar and the lone pair takes up more space than the bond. This results in the bonds on the three other atoms being pushed down, creating a trigonal pyramid shape. Therefore, the best choice is B, trigonal pyramidal.

Question 3

Which occurrences or processes are expected to reduce the level of atmospheric carbon?
i.Decaying plant and animal remains
ii.The growth of trees
iii.Formation of carbonate rock in the ocean
iv.Animal respiration

A)i and ii only
B)ii and iii only
C)iii and iv only
D)i and iv only

ii and iii only

Accepted Answer

Decaying plant and animal remains (i) and animal respiration (iv) both release carbon into the atmosphere, while the growth of trees (ii) and the formation of carbonate rock in the ocean (iii) are processes that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Therefore, the expected processes that reduce the level of atmospheric carbon are options (ii) and (iii) only. Thus, the correct answer is B.

Question 4

Which of the following are ways that aerosols may affect climate?&#10;A)Scattering incoming radiation&#10;B)Nucleation of clouds&#10;C)Absorbing incoming radiation&#10;D)All of these choices are correct

Accepted Answer

All of these choices are correct. Aerosols can both scatter and absorb incoming radiation, leading to either cooling or warming effects on the climate. Aerosols can also nucleate clouds, which can further affect the reflectivity of the atmosphere and the Earth's radiation balance.

Question 5

Which of the following has the lowest albedo?&#10;A)Ocean&#10;B)Fresh snow&#10;C)Old snow&#10;D)Desert sand

Accepted Answer

Ocean has the lowest albedo among the options given. Albedo measures the reflectivity of a surface, with lower values indicating less reflection and more absorption of sunlight. Oceans, due to their dark surface, absorb more sunlight and reflect less compared to fresh snow, old snow, and desert sand, making their albedo lower.

Question 6

What international agreement attempted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?&#10;A)Kyoto Protocol&#10;B)Montreal Protocol&#10;C)Oslo Accords&#10;D)Nuremburg Treaty

Accepted Answer

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. It requires developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by certain amounts below their 1990 levels. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 that aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement required participating countries to set binding targets for reducing emissions, and it established mechanisms for monitoring and verifying progress. While many countries initially signed on to the agreement, some have since withdrawn or failed to meet their targets.

Question 7

Methane is approximately 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.Which are significant sources of methane emissions?
i.The digestive systems of ruminants (cows,sheep,etc. )
ii.Automobile exhaust
iii.Rice cultivation
iv.Decaying wetland vegetation

A)i only
B)i and ii only
C)ii only
D)i,iii,and iv only

Accepted Answer

Methane emissions from the digestive systems of ruminants, rice cultivation, and decaying wetland vegetation are all significant sources of methane emissions. Automobile exhaust, on the other hand, is a source of carbon dioxide emissions, not methane. Therefore, choice D (i, iii, and iv only) is the best answer.

Question 8

If the average temperature of earth is currently 15.0^$\circ$C,what does the NOAA model (the line in the graph) predict for the average global temperature in 2080? A)2.4^$\circ$C B)12.6^$\circ$C C)15.0^$\circ$C D)17.4^$\circ$C

Accepted Answer

The NOAA model predicts that the global temperatures will rise by approximately 2.4 to 4.8°F (1.3 to 2.6°C) by the end of the century. The line in the graph is showing an increase of approximately 2.4°F, which would bring the average global temperature to 17.4°F. Therefore, option D) is the correct choice.

Deck 4: Climate Change