Learning check
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The atmosphere
The carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere is slightly more than 0,04 %
The carbon cycle.
Photosynthesis
Plants, algae and som bacteria "harvest" sunlight. Carbon is assimiliated in glucose.
Word formula:
- Carbon dioxide + water + light → glucose + oxygen
Chemical formula:
- 6CO2 + 6H2O + hν → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Cellular respiration
Animals eat plants.
Glucose is used (in animals as well as plants):
- As building material in the cell.
- As energy reserve: It is oxidized (combusted), and energy is released. The animal "harvests" the energy released.
Word formula:
- Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy
Chemical formula:
- C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
The carbon dioxide is exhaled, returned to the atmosphere.
Decomposition
Animals, plants die.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms.
- Carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere through cellular respiration.
Fossil fuels
Dead organisms may be packed under high pressure under millions of years.
- Oil, coal, natural gas is formed (fossil fuels)
When combusted, for example in combustion engines, carbon dioxide forms again, and is returned to the atmosphere.
Carbonates
Carbon dioxide may be dissolved in water. Carbonic acid, H2CO3, is formed:
- CO2 + H2O → H2CO3
Carbonic acid gives rise to carbonates:
- Hydrogen carbonate, HCO\(_3^-\)
- Carbonate, CO\(_3^{2-}\)
Carbonates, spec. calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used in animals' shells and corals.
- Shells & corals may pack under high pressure and long time ⇒ Limestone
Limestone weathers:
- Carbonates are re-formed.
- Carbon dioxide may be returned to the atmosphere.
Limestone is important for the ecology on land!
