Earth & Atmospheric Science (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry)

Exam Questions

2 hours21 questions
1a1 mark

The Earthā€™s early atmosphere was different from that of the Earthā€™s atmosphere today.

The Earthā€™s early atmosphere was formed by

Ā  ā˜ A animals breathing.
Ā  ā˜ B global warming.
Ā  ā˜ C plants growing.
Ā  ā˜ D volcanic activity.

1b2 marks

Figure 1 shows some data about the composition of gases present in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere and todayā€™s atmosphere.

composition (%)
gas Earthā€™s early atmosphere todayā€™s atmosphere
nitrogen 4 78
oxygen <0.01 21
argon <0.01 0.9
gas X 95 0.04
ammonia 0.5 <0.001
sulfur dioxide 0.5 <0.001

Figure 1

Explain, using the data, the identity of gas X.

1c
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4 marks

Figure 2 shows the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere above Hawaii from 1960 to 2010.

fig-2-q1c-1cho-2f-specimen-2018

Figure 2

i)

Use the graph to calculate the increase in the volume of carbon dioxide in 1m3 of atmosphere from 1960 to 2010.

(2)

increase in volume of carbon dioxide = .......... cm3

ii)
Describe how carbon dioxide is released into todayā€™s atmosphere.

(2)

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2a1 mark

Figure 8 shows one molecule of each of four different substances, A, B, C and D.

fig-8-q6-1cho-2f-paper-1-june-2018

Figure 8

State the formula of a molecule of substance B.
2b2 marks
i)
Substance C can be formed by burning an element in oxygen.

Write the word equation for this reaction.

(1)

ii)
Consider substances A, B, and D.

Give the letters of the two substances that can be formed by burning an element in oxygen.

(1)

2c2 marks

The amount of oxygen in the atmosphere has increased since the Earthā€™s early atmosphere was formed.

Explain what has caused this change.

2d2 marks

Carbon dioxide is present in the Earthā€™s atmosphere.

Some processes increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, other processes decrease it.

Draw one straight line from each change in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to the process causing the change.

fig-q6d-1cho-2f-paper-1-june-2018
2e4 marks

Figure 9 shows a graph of the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earthā€™s atmosphere from 1985 to 2005.

fig-9-q6e-1cho-2f-paper-1-june-2018
i)
Describe how the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earthā€™s atmosphere varies within each year.
(1)
ii)
Describe the overall trend in the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earthā€™s atmosphere from 1985 to 2005.
(1)
iii)
Calculate the change in the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earthā€™s atmosphere from the beginning of 1990 to the beginning of 2000.

(2)

change in amount = .................................... ppm

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3a1 mark

Plants release oxygen into the atmosphere.
What is the name of the process that releases oxygen into the atmosphere?

Ā  ā˜ A combustion
Ā  ā˜ B oxidationĀ 
Ā  ā˜ C photosynthesisĀ 
Ā  ā˜ D polymerisationĀ 
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3 marks

The atmosphere contains 21% of oxygen.

i)
Figure 1 shows an incomplete bar chart of the main gases in the atmosphere.
fig-1-q1bi-1cho-2f-paper-1-june-2019

Figure 1

Complete the bar chart by showing the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere.

(1)

ii)
Calculate the volume of oxygen present in 300 cm3 of air.

(volumes are measured under the same conditions of temperature and pressure)

(2)

3c2 marks

An atom of an element has an atomic number and a mass number.

Draw one straight line from each of these to the numbers of subatomic particles it shows to be present in an atom.

Ā 
fig-q1c-1cho-2f-paper-1-june-2019
3d1 mark

Which test shows a gas is oxygen?

Ā  ā˜ A a few drops of limewater will turn cloudy when shaken with the gas
Ā  ā˜ B a glowing splint will relight when placed in the gasĀ 
Ā  ā˜ C a lighted splint placed in the gas will cause a pop
Ā  ā˜ D a piece of damp red litmus paper will turn blue when placed in the gas

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4a2 marks

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, can lead to global climate change.Ā 

Name two other greenhouse gases.Ā 

4b1 mark

Carbon dioxide levels increase due to burning fossil fuels.Ā 

Which other human activity causes an increase the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Ā  ā˜ A Farming
Ā  ā˜ B Sending rubbish to landfill
Ā  ā˜ C DeforestationĀ 
Ā  ā˜ D BioleachingĀ 
4c2 marks

Greenhouse gases keep the earth warm via the greenhouse effect.Ā 

Use the words in the boxes to complete the sentences about the greenhouse effect.Ā 

emit absorb earth
refract atmosphere reflect

Greenhouse gases .............................. heat radiated from the earth.Ā 

They then radiate this energy back into the ...............................Ā 

4d2 marks

Give two effects of global climate change.Ā 

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11 mark

The Earth's atmosphere has evolved over the past 4.6 billion years.Ā 

Which option correctly shows what has happened to the proportion of each gas during this time period?

Ā  Ā  Ā  Oxygen Nitrogen Carbon dioxide Water vapour
Ā  ā˜ A increased decreased decreased decreased
Ā  ā˜ B increased increased decreased decreased
Ā  ā˜ C decreased increased increased increased
Ā  ā˜ D increased decreased increased increased

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2a1 mark

This question is about changes to the Earthā€™s atmosphere.

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relative amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere?

Ā  ā˜ A large amount of carbon dioxide and large amount of oxygen
Ā  ā˜ B large amount of carbon dioxide and small amount of oxygen
Ā  ā˜ C small amount of carbon dioxide and large amount of oxygen
Ā  ā˜ D small amount of carbon dioxide and small amount of oxygen

2b2 marks

Several processes change the composition of the Earthā€™s atmosphere.

Describe how the composition of the atmosphere is affected by burning fossil fuels.

2c2 marks

The graphs in Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the mean global temperature between 1960 and 2000.

fig-1-q1c-1cho-2h-specimen-2018
Figure 1

fig-2-q1c-1cho-2h-specimen-2018
Figure 2

Explain whether these graphs provide evidence that an increase in carbon dioxide is causing the Earthā€™s temperature to rise.

2d1 mark

Which of these pairs of gases are both greenhouse gases?

Ā  ā˜ A nitrogen and methane
Ā  ā˜ B nitrogen and oxygen
Ā  ā˜ C oxygen and water vapour
Ā  ā˜ D water vapour and methane

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31 mark

What is the approximate percentage of oxygen in the current atmosphere?Ā 

Ā  ā˜ A 4%
Ā  ā˜ B 21%
Ā  ā˜ C 55%
Ā  ā˜ D 78%

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4a2 marks

The Earthā€™s atmosphere contains several gases.

Figure 1 shows the relative amounts of gases thought to be in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere.

gas relative amount in Earthā€™s
early atmosphere
oxygen small
carbon dioxide large
nitrogen small
water vapour large

Figure 1

The amount of water vapour in todayā€™s atmosphere is much less than the amount in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere.
Explain why the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere has decreased.

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3 marks

The apparatus shown in Figure 2 is used to find the percentage of oxygen in dry air.

fig-2-q1b-1cho-2h-paper-1-june-2018

Figure 2

Syringe A contains 50 cm3 of dry air and syringe B contains no air.

The copper in the glass tube is heated strongly.
The air in the apparatus is passed backwards and forwards over the copper until
all the oxygen has been removed.

i)
The following results were obtained

initial volume of air in apparatus = 50 cm3
final volume of gas in apparatus = 40 cm3

Calculate the percentage of oxygen in this sample of dry air.
(2)
percentage oxygen in the air = ...................................


ii)
At the end of the experiment, the apparatus and its contents are allowed to cool before the final volume of gas is measured.
(1)
The apparatus and its contents must be allowed to cool because

Ā  ā˜ A reading the volume while the apparatus is hot is dangerous
Ā  ā˜ B the glass tube may crack when it is hot and allow air into the apparatus
Ā  ā˜ C the gas has expanded when it is hot
Ā  ā˜ D the copper reacts with other gases in the air when it is hot
4c2 marks

The Earthā€™s earliest rocks contained iron sulfide and no iron oxide.
Later the rocks contained iron oxide as well as iron sulfide.

Explain what happened to allow this change to occur.

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51 mark

Global climate change has serious consequences on the environment.Ā 

Which of the following shows an incorrect effect of global climate change?

Ā  Ā  Ā  Effect 1 Effect 2
Ā  ā˜ A sea levels rising storms
Ā  ā˜ B coastal erosion global dimming
Ā  ā˜ C flooding ice caps melting
Ā  ā˜ D destruction of habitats droughts

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6a2 marks

The two most common gases in todayā€™s atmosphere are nitrogen and oxygen.

i)
What is the third most common gas in todayā€™s atmosphere?

(1)

Ā  ā˜ A argon
Ā  ā˜ B butaneĀ 
Ā  ā˜ C chlorineĀ 
Ā  ā˜ D hydrogenĀ 

ii)
What is the percentage of oxygen in todayā€™s atmosphere?

(1)

Ā  ā˜ A 0.04
Ā  ā˜ B 1Ā 
Ā  ā˜ C 21Ā 
Ā  ā˜ D 78Ā 

6b1 mark

Give the name of the most common gas in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere.

6c2 marks

This early atmosphere was hot and contained water vapour.
The atmosphere today contains less water vapour.

Explain what caused the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere to decrease.

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3 marks

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be measured in parts per million (ppm).
Figure 1 shows the measurements in January 2018 and January 2019.

Ā  concentration of
carbon dioxide in ppm
January 2018 407.96
January 2019 410.83

Figure 1

i)
Calculate the increase in the concentration, in ppm, of carbon dioxide from January 2018 to January 2019.
Give your answer to the nearest whole number.
(2)

increase in concentration of carbon dioxide = .............................. ppm

ii)
Give a possible cause for this increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide.
(1)

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71 mark

Human activities are contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect.Ā 

Which two human activities contribute to the release of methane?

Ā  ā˜ A Deforestation and farming
Ā  ā˜ B Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
Ā  ā˜ C Farming and sending rubbish to landfill
Ā  ā˜ D Sending rubbish to landfill and deforestation

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8a1 mark

Air contains several gaseous elements.

Which of these shows the three most common gaseous elements in air, listed in order from the most common to the least common?

Ā  ā˜ A oxygen, chlorine, nitrogen
Ā  ā˜ B nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogenĀ 
Ā  ā˜ C oxygen, nitrogen, heliumĀ 
Ā  ā˜ D nitrogen, oxygen, argon
8b4 marks

The density of a gas can be found using the equation

density space equals space mass over volume

A student carried out an experiment to find the density of argon.

The mass of a stopper and flask, containing no gas, was known.
The flask was completely filled with argon and its mass measured.

Figure 4 shows the results the student wrote down.

mass of stopper and flask in g 78.639
mass of stopper and flask full of argon in g 79.120
volume of flask in cm3 250.0

Figure 4

i)
Use the results to calculate the density of argon in g cm-3.
(2)

density of argon = ........................................... gcm-3

Ā 

ii)
The flask used for the experiment is shown in Figure 5.
The flask holds 250.0 cm3 when filled up to the line.

fig-5-1cho-2h-paper-1-nov-2020

Figure 5

There is an error in the volume the student has used in the calculation.
This would give an incorrect value for the density of argon.

Identify this error and state what should be done to correct it.

(2)

error.................................

what should be done to correct it ........................................

8c2 marks

Four of the noble gases are argon, helium, krypton and neon.

Give these gases in order of increasing density.

8d2 marks

Higher Only

Much of the carbon dioxide present in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere dissolved into the oceans.

This led to the formation of compounds including calcium carbonate, CaCO3.

Some of the calcium carbonate reacted with magnesium ions to form dolomite, CaMg(CO3)2.

Complete the ionic equation for the reaction of calcium carbonate with magnesium ions.

................ CaCO3 + ......................... ā†’ CaMg(CO3)2 + Ca2+
Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā dolomite

8e2 marks

P and Q are both mixtures of gases.
One has the same composition as the early atmosphere and the other has the same composition as the current atmosphere.

Tests are carried out on gas mixtures P and Q.

The test for carbon dioxide is to bubble the gas into limewater; if carbon dioxide is present calcium carbonate is formed.

The results of the tests are shown in Figure 6.

test result with gas
mixture P
result with gas
mixture Q
bubble gas into limewater white precipitate forms after 4 minutes white precipitate forms after 10 seconds
place burning splint into
gas mixture
splint continues to burn splint immediately goes out

Figure 6

Explain, using the data in Figure 6, which gas mixture represents the early atmosphere.

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91 mark

What is the correct observation when a glowing splint is held at the entrance of a tube of pure oxygen gas?Ā 

Ā  ā˜ A A 'squeaky pop' sound can be heard
Ā  ā˜ B The glowing splint relights
Ā  ā˜ C The glowing splint keeps glowing
Ā  ā˜ D The glowing splint is immediately extinguished

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10a1 mark

Diesel oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons that can be obtained from crude oil.

State the name of the process used to separate diesel oil from crude oil.

10b1 mark

Diesel oil contains alkanes.
These alkanes are part of an homologous series.

Which statement about compounds in this homologous series is true?

Ā  ā˜ A they have the same chemical formula
Ā  ā˜ B they have the same empirical formula
Ā  ā˜ C they have the same general formula
Ā  ā˜ D they have the same molecular formulaĀ 
10c2 marks

When fuels such as diesel oil are burned, the high temperatures produced can cause nitrogen and oxygen in the air to form the pollutant nitrogen dioxide.

Complete the balanced equation for the reaction.

N2 + 2O2Ā  ā†’Ā  ......................................
10d3 marks

Explain how the greenhouse effect is caused by the gases produced by the complete combustion of diesel oil.

10e6 marks

Diesel oil can contain impurities of sulfur.
Burning diesel oil containing impurities of sulfur can result in acid rain.
Acid rain is harmful to the environment.

Explain how acid rain is formed and the harm it can do.

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111 mark

The greenhouse effect allows the Earth to stay warm enough to support life.Ā 

Which statement describing the greenhouse effect isĀ true?

Ā  ā˜ A Infrared radiation is transferred from the sun to the earth's atmosphereĀ 
Ā  ā˜ B Infrared radiation emitted by the earth's surface is all absorbed by greenhouse gasesĀ 
Ā  ā˜ C Infrared radiation emitted by the earth's surface is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases
Ā  ā˜ D All wavelengths of radiation are reflected back by the Earth and absorbed by greenhouse gasesĀ 

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12a1 mark

This question is about potassium and zinc.

Which of the following temperatures is most likely to be the melting point of potassium?

Ā  ā˜ A -63 Ā°CĀ 
Ā  ā˜ B 6.3 Ā°CĀ Ā 
Ā  ā˜ C 63 Ā°CĀ Ā 
Ā  ā˜ D 630 Ā°C
12b2 marks

Explain how the electronic configuration of an atom of potassium is related to its position in the periodic table.

12c4 marks

Potassium reacts with oxygen to form potassium oxide.

i)
Describe the test to show that a gas is oxygen.

(2)

ii)
Potassium oxide is ionic.

Write the electronic configurations for the ions in potassium oxide, K2O.

(2)

potassium ion: ............................................
oxide ion: .............................................

12d4 marks

Figure 6 shows two gas syringes connected by a glass tube.

Inside the glass tube there are some pieces of zinc.
Zinc reacts with oxygen at a temperature of over 225 Ā°C.
Not all the oxygen reacts at once, the oxygen reacts only when in contact with the zinc.

fig-6-q5d-1cho-2h-paper-1-nov-2021

Figure 6

Devise a plan to find the volume of oxygen contained in a known volume of air, using the apparatus shown in Figure 6.

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1a5 marks

Carbon dioxide is one of the gases in the Earthā€™s atmosphere.
The percentage of carbon dioxide in the Earthā€™s atmosphere has changed over time.

i)
Which row of the table shows the approximate percentage of carbon dioxide thought to be in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere and how this percentage changed to form the Earthā€™s atmosphere today?

(1)

Ā  Ā  Ā  approximate percentage of carbon dioxide
in the Earthā€™s early atmosphere
change in percentage carbon dioxide
to form the Earthā€™s atmosphere today.
Ā  ā˜ A 5 increased
Ā  ā˜ B 5Ā  decreased
Ā  ā˜ C 95 increased
Ā  ā˜ D 95 decreased



ii)
The actual percentage of carbon dioxide in the Earthā€™s atmosphere today varies.

Explain two factors that cause the percentage of carbon dioxide in todayā€™s atmosphere to vary.

(4)

1b2 marks

Carbon dioxide is a simple molecular, covalent compound.

It has a low boiling point of ā€“78.5Ā°C.

Explain why carbon dioxide has a low boiling point.

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3 marks

Calculate the number of molecules in 0.11 g of carbon dioxide.

Give your answer to two significant figures.

(relative formula mass : CO2 = 44
Avogadro constant = 6.02 Ɨ 1023)

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2a1 mark

This question is about the atmosphere of Mars.

The composition of its atmosphere is shown in the pie chart in Figure 1.Ā 

aqa-gcse-9-1h-tq1a-atmosphere-pie-chart
Figure 1


Calculate the percentage of other gases on Mars.

2b4 marks

It is thought when the Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago, the atmosphere was similar to that of Mars.

The growth of green plants and evolution of other organisms has changed the composition of the atmosphere over this period of time.Ā 

Explain how.

2c4 marks

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Suggest four effects of global climate change.

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3a2 marks

This question is about carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide gas levels have remained the same over the last 200 million years.

Complete the dot and cross diagram to show the bonding carbon dioxide gas inĀ Figure 1.Ā 




0Wy8ONBm_blank-dot-and-cross-diagram-carbon-dioxide

Figure 1

3b3 marks

Explain why carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperatureĀ 

3c4 marks

Describe the natural processes which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.Ā 

3d2 marks

Explain why carbon dioxide levels have risen again over the last 150 years.

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4a2 marks

The atmosphere has evolved over the last 4.5 billion years.Ā 

Explain why there is less water vapour in the atmosphere now, compared to 4.5 billion years ago.Ā 

4b6 marks

It is thought that the Earth's early atmosphere was similar to the atmosphere found on Venus today.

Table 1 shows the percentages of oxygen and carbon dioxide on each planet.Ā 

Gas Percentage (%) in Earth's atmosphere today Percentage (%) in Venus's atmosphere today
Oxygen 21 0
Carbon dioxide 0.04 97

Table 1


Explain the processes that have led to the changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels on Earth.

4c1 mark

Scientists cannot be certain about the proportion of gases that made up the early atmosphere of Earth.

Why not?

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5a3 marks

This question is about the atmosphere.

The planet Saturn has many moons, including one named Titan.Ā 

Titan's atmosphere is warmer than other moons because it contains methane, a greenhouse gas.Ā 

Explain how methane keeps Titan warmer than other moons.

5b3 marks

In addition to methane, other gases are found in the atmosphere of Titan.

These gases and their percentages are shown in Table 1.Ā 

Gas Percentage of gas in Titan's atmosphere (%)
Methane 98.5
Nitrogen 1.3
Other gases 0.2

Table 1Ā 


Explain why life could not have evolved in the same way it is thought to have evolved on Earth.Ā 

5c3 marks

Higher TierĀ 

Methane can also be used as a fuel and undergo combustion to produce carbon dioxide and water.

The equation for this reaction can be shown as:

aqa-gcse-9-2h-tq-2c-equation-for-combustion-of-methanebond-energies
Ā 
Ā 
Bond Bond energy in kJ
O-H 464
C-H 414
C=O 803
O=O 498

Table 1


Use the bond energies in Table 1 to calculate the energy change for the reaction.Ā 

5d2 marks

Explain, in terms of bond making and breaking, why this is an exothermic reaction.Ā 

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