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Year 11 - Science

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Atmosphere and changing climate

Unit Summary

This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth's atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere.

Key Notes

  • The atmosphere comprises ~80% nitrogen and ~20% oxygen.
  • The atmosphere contains small proportions of various other gases, including CO₂, water vapour and noble gases.
  • The atmosphere thins out with height which makes it harder for humans to breathe sufficient oxygen at high altitude.
  • The atmosphere contains water, mainly in its gas state but in its liquid (or solid) state in clouds and precipitation.
  • The atmosphere also contains a wide range of solid particulates.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • atmosphere: The atmosphere is a layer of gas that surrounds a planet. It may contain small amounts of solid and liquid particles.
  • composition: Composition is the substances and their proportions that make something up.
  • precipitation: Water in a liquid or solid state that falls towards Earth is called precipitation.
  • altitude: The distance above sea level is known as altitude.
  • particulates: Particulates are very small particles of solids and liquids that are suspended in air.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The atmosphere is mostly oxygen. The same atmospheric conditions exist at all heights.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The atmosphere comprises ~80% nitrogen and ~20% oxygen. The atmosphere contains small proportions of various other gases, including CO₂, water vapour and noble gases.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'atmosphere'

The atmosphere is a layer of gas that surrounds a planet. It may contain small amounts of solid and liquid particles. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: The atmosphere is mostly oxygen. The same atmospheric conditions exist at all heights. Correction: Explain that the atmosphere is ~80% nitrogen and ~20% oxygen. Discuss how atmospheric conditions vary with altitude, affecting oxygen availability.

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