Carbon Cycle and Earth's Systems

Front

What is the biosphere?

Back

The biosphere includes all living organisms on Earth (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their interactions with the environment. It's where photosynthesis and cellular respiration take place.

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What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, including gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂). It plays a major role in regulating the exchange of carbon through processes like burning fossil fuels or deforestation.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

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The hydrosphere refers to all the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. It is essential for life and affects climate and carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the geosphere?

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The geosphere encompasses Earth's solid parts, including the crust, mantle, and core. It stores carbon in the form of fossil fuels, limestone, and other carbon-rich minerals.

Front

Define chemical processes in the context of the carbon cycle.

Back

Chemical processes involve reactions that change the molecular structure of substances. In the carbon cycle, this includes photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Front

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Back

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Front

What is the chemical equation for cellular respiration?

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C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy

Front

Give an example of a chemical process in the carbon cycle.

Back

The burning of fossil fuels is a chemical process where carbon stored in the fuel reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and energy.

Front

Define physical processes in the context of the carbon cycle.

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Physical processes involve changes in state or energy but don’t alter the chemical structure of a substance, such as the dissolution of CO₂ in oceans.

Front

Give an example of a physical process in the carbon cycle.

Back

Dissolution of CO₂: Carbon dioxide dissolves into the oceans from the atmosphere, which can then be used by marine plants and algae for photosynthesis.