CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · GCSE · Chemistry · Chemistry of the Atmosphere · Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Problem
Nitrous oxide, N2O , is a highly effective greenhouse gas that can exist in the atmosphere for more than 100 years.
(a) What natural processes are responsible for about 45% of the nitrous oxide present in the atmosphere?
(b) About 55% of atmospheric nitrous oxide has man-made origins. Which processes are responsible for this?
(c) By which natural processes is nitrous oxide removed from the atmosphere?
(d) How would an increase in nitrous oxide concentrations in the atmosphere affect the greenhouse effect?
(e) Why has it been difficult for world leaders to come to an agreement on how to try to reduce the man-made production of atmospheric nitrous oxide?