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Sara
15/12/2025
Chemistry
Chemistry of the atmosphere
15
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15 Dec 2025
•
Atmospheric Chemistry Basics for GCSE AQA
Sara
@osaraii
1 / 3
Gases in the Atmosphere
The air around us isn't just empty space—it's primarily a mixture of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and other gases. These proportions didn't happen by accident but evolved over billions of years.
Earth's atmosphere today is vastly different from its early composition. Scientists believe that 4.6 billion years ago, our atmosphere resembled those of Mars or Venus—primarily carbon dioxide with very little oxygen.
Remember this! Evidence about Earth's early atmosphere is limited because of the enormous time scale involved (4.6 billion years), and scientific theories have evolved significantly as new discoveries are made.
Early volcanic activity released gases like nitrogen, which gradually built up, along with small amounts of methane and ammonia. As the planet cooled, water vapour condensed to form oceans, which absorbed carbon dioxide and reduced its atmospheric concentration.
The Oxygen Revolution
Oxygen wasn't always abundant in our atmosphere—it was actually produced by living organisms! About 2.7 billion years ago, algae began the process of photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
The chemical equation for photosynthesis shows this remarkable transformation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
As plant life evolved over the next billion years, oxygen levels increased, creating conditions that allowed animal life to evolve. At the same time, carbon dioxide levels decreased not only through photosynthesis but also through the formation of carbon-containing sedimentary rocks like limestone and coal.
Did you know? The remains of ancient plants and animals eventually formed the fossil fuels we use today, effectively locking away carbon that was once in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases like water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane play a crucial role in maintaining Earth's temperature. They allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere but trap the infrared radiation that Earth emits, warming our planet. While this greenhouse effect is essential for life, excessive greenhouse gases cause global warming, leading to climate change, rising sea levels, species extinction, and decreased crop yields.
Atmospheric Pollutants from Fuels
When we burn fuels like coal and petrol, we don't just get energy—we release a cocktail of gases into our atmosphere. Most fuels contain carbon and hydrogen, and sometimes sulphur, which combine with oxygen during combustion.
Complete combustion primarily produces carbon dioxide and water vapour, but the reality is often more complex. When fuels burn at high temperatures, harmful nitrogen oxides form. If there isn't enough oxygen present, incomplete combustion occurs, producing carbon monoxide, soot (carbon particles), and unburned fuel.
These pollutants have serious consequences for both human health and the environment. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous—a toxic, colourless, odourless gas that's difficult to detect. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain and cause respiratory problems, while particulates lead to global dimming and various health issues.
Warning! Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because we can't see, smell, or taste it—making it a silent killer in poorly ventilated spaces where fuels are burned.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Atmospheric Chemistry Basics for GCSE AQA
Sara
@osaraii
Our atmosphere is a dynamic mixture of gases that has evolved dramatically over Earth's 4.6 billion year history. This evolution has shaped life on Earth and continues to affect our climate today. Understanding atmospheric composition, how it changed, and how... Show more
Gases in the Atmosphere
The air around us isn't just empty space—it's primarily a mixture of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and other gases. These proportions didn't happen by accident but evolved over billions of years.
Earth's atmosphere today is vastly different from its early composition. Scientists believe that 4.6 billion years ago, our atmosphere resembled those of Mars or Venus—primarily carbon dioxide with very little oxygen.
Remember this! Evidence about Earth's early atmosphere is limited because of the enormous time scale involved (4.6 billion years), and scientific theories have evolved significantly as new discoveries are made.
Early volcanic activity released gases like nitrogen, which gradually built up, along with small amounts of methane and ammonia. As the planet cooled, water vapour condensed to form oceans, which absorbed carbon dioxide and reduced its atmospheric concentration.
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The Oxygen Revolution
Oxygen wasn't always abundant in our atmosphere—it was actually produced by living organisms! About 2.7 billion years ago, algae began the process of photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
The chemical equation for photosynthesis shows this remarkable transformation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
As plant life evolved over the next billion years, oxygen levels increased, creating conditions that allowed animal life to evolve. At the same time, carbon dioxide levels decreased not only through photosynthesis but also through the formation of carbon-containing sedimentary rocks like limestone and coal.
Did you know? The remains of ancient plants and animals eventually formed the fossil fuels we use today, effectively locking away carbon that was once in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases like water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane play a crucial role in maintaining Earth's temperature. They allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere but trap the infrared radiation that Earth emits, warming our planet. While this greenhouse effect is essential for life, excessive greenhouse gases cause global warming, leading to climate change, rising sea levels, species extinction, and decreased crop yields.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Atmospheric Pollutants from Fuels
When we burn fuels like coal and petrol, we don't just get energy—we release a cocktail of gases into our atmosphere. Most fuels contain carbon and hydrogen, and sometimes sulphur, which combine with oxygen during combustion.
Complete combustion primarily produces carbon dioxide and water vapour, but the reality is often more complex. When fuels burn at high temperatures, harmful nitrogen oxides form. If there isn't enough oxygen present, incomplete combustion occurs, producing carbon monoxide, soot (carbon particles), and unburned fuel.
These pollutants have serious consequences for both human health and the environment. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous—a toxic, colourless, odourless gas that's difficult to detect. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain and cause respiratory problems, while particulates lead to global dimming and various health issues.
Warning! Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because we can't see, smell, or taste it—making it a silent killer in poorly ventilated spaces where fuels are burned.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Atmospheric Chemistry
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user