Sergey Bylikin, Gary Horner and, Brian Murphy Solutions for Chapter: Energy, Exercise 7: Questions

The term greenhouse effect is used to describe a natural process for keeping the average temperature of the Earth's surface nearly constant. Water vapour acts as a greenhouse gas. State the main natural and man-made sources of water vapour in the atmosphere.

Two students disagreed about whether carbon dioxide or methane was more important as a greenhouse gas. State one reason why carbon dioxide could be considered more important than methane as a greenhouse gas.

Two students disagreed about whether carbon dioxide or methane was more important as a greenhouse gas. State one reason why methane could be considered more important than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

Discuss the effects of global warming on earth.

After the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA, all air traffic and much industry was closed down for three days. It was noted that the sky was clearer and that the temperature difference between the hottest part of the day and the coldest part of the day was $1$ degree greater than previously, meaning the days were warmer and nights colder. Explain this in terms of the link between global warming and global dimming.

The pH of the oceans has dropped slightly over the past century.
a) Explain this, using balanced equilibrium equations and mentioning greenhouse gases.
b) Decaying reefs result in increased ${\mathrm{CO}}_3^{2-}$ (aq) concentrations. Explain how this might affect the equilibrium in a).

Explain why ${\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$ is less soluble in warm than in cold water.

State what causes global dimming and outline its effects.