Question 1

What three elements make up most of the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen, oxygen, and argon make up approximately 99% of the Earth's atmosphere, with nitrogen accounting for almost 78%, oxygen for about 21%, and argon for less than 1%.

Question 2

What is true about pure nitrogen?

Accepted Answer

Pure nitrogen has various applications and properties, including being shipped in a cold, liquid state for industrial and scientific purposes, being the dominant element in Earth's atmosphere (comprising about 78%), its use in food preservation to displace oxygen and prevent oxidation, and its use in cryopreservation to freeze biological specimens due to its low boiling point when in liquid form.

Question 3

O₃ is known as:

Accepted Answer

The formula O₃ is indicative of the compound ozone, which has three oxygen atoms.

Question 4

Why is ozone important?

Accepted Answer

Ozone is important because it protects the Earth from damaging UV rays from the sun. While it is not the dominant gas in the atmosphere, it plays a crucial role in shielding the planet from harmful radiation. It does not protect the Earth from greenhouse gases, and while it can participate in cleaning the air in the troposphere, this is not its primary function. Therefore, answer choice C is the best option.

Question 5

Which of the following are greenhouse gases?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed (carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons) are greenhouse gases, which contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Question 6

There is no top to the atmosphere as the gas molecules gradually decrease into space.

Accepted Answer

The atmosphere gradually thins out as altitude increases, but there is no definite top to the atmosphere as the gas molecules continue to decrease in density into space.

Question 7

Which of the following is a factor that has an influence on climate?

Accepted Answer

All of the above factors influence climate. The intensity of the sun affects the amount of heat energy received by the Earth's surface. The distribution of water and land masses affects the circulation of air and ocean currents, which in turn affects climate. Ocean circulation also plays a significant role in distributing heat around the planet. Wind circulation affects the distribution of temperature, moisture, and atmospheric pressure.

Question 8

What are some common pollutants?

Accepted Answer

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are common pollutants that are released from various sources such as vehicles, industrial processes, and chemical solvents. These pollutants can lead to the formation of smog and contribute to respiratory problems. Oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, water vapor, and xenon are not typically considered pollutants.

Question 9

Where do volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come from?

Accepted Answer

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) primarily come from products like paint thinners and solvents, as well as household and personal care items like cleaning products and perfumes. While some VOCs can be found in the atmosphere, they are commonly released into indoor environments through these types of products. The stratosphere, sun, and ozone layer are not significant sources of VOCs. And while we do release some VOCs when we breathe (like acetone), they are not significant sources of indoor air pollution.

Question 10

The "new car smell" is most likely:

Accepted Answer

The "new car smell" is likely a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from various components and materials used in manufacturing the car, such as adhesives, sealants, plastics, and fabrics. These VOCs can have negative health effects if one is exposed to them for prolonged periods. Nitrous oxide (A) and sulfur dioxide (B) are not typically found in the cabin of a new car, and carbon dioxide (E) is not a volatile compound, but rather a commonly occurring gas in the atmosphere. Ozone (D) can be a byproduct of some chemical reactions, but is not typically present in a new car.

Question 11

"Laughing gas" is most likely:

Accepted Answer

"Laughing gas" is a common name for nitrous oxide, which is often used as a dental anesthetic and can cause a temporary feeling of euphoria when inhaled. Sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, ozone, and carbon dioxide are not commonly referred to as "laughing gas."

Question 12

What is a source of carbon monoxide?

Accepted Answer

All of the choices listed (charcoal burners, kerosene, gasoline-powered generators, and exhaust from cars) are sources of carbon monoxide.

Question 13

Carbon dioxide is considered a pollutant.

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is considered a pollutant because at high concentrations, it contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

Question 14

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-smog

Accepted Answer

Smog is a combination of smoke and fog.

Answer: D
 Smog can also refer to a combination of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide and water.

Question 15

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-acid rain

Accepted Answer

Acid rain is a combination of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide and water.

Question 16

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-VOCs

Accepted Answer

VOCs are volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals like benzene, toluene, butane, and propane.

Answer: B 
 CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are hydrocarbon compounds that contain chlorine and fluourine; were widely used in refrigerators as coolants.

Answer: C 
 NOx and N2O are examples of nitrogen and oxygen compounds that are greenhouse gases.

Answer: D 
 Acid rain is a combination of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide and water.

Answer: E 
 Smog is a combination of smoke and fog.

Question 17

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-CFCs

Accepted Answer

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are hydrocarbon compounds that contain chlorine and fluourine; were widely used in refrigerators are coolants.

Question 18

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-NOx

Accepted Answer

NOx refers to a family of nitrogen and oxygen compounds that are greenhouse gases.

Answer: D
 Acid rain is a combination of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide and water.

Question 19

The tilt of Earth's axis has changed throughout geologic time.

Accepted Answer

The tilt of Earth's axis has undergone cyclical changes over the span of millions of years, ranging from 22.1 to 24.5 degrees. This variation in axial tilt is believed to have contributed to long term climate cycles on Earth.

Question 20

Our sun's luminosity has not changed since it formed millions of years ago.

Accepted Answer

Our sun's luminosity has not remained constant since its formation. It has gradually increased by about 10% over the past 4.6 billion years and is expected to continue to increase by another 10% over the next 1-2 billion years. This increase in luminosity is due to the sun's consumption of hydrogen fuel in its core, causing it to become hotter and brighter.

Quiz 14: Atmosphere Resources and Climate Change