Chemistry: A Pollutant’s Tale: Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Change by Tim Harrison, The University of Bristol

This lecture demonstration covers:

• the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere in comparison to other planets

• a brief description of the structure of the atmosphere

• investigation of some of the chemistry and properties of nitrogen and oxygen

• a few of the tropospheric pollutants including carbon dioxide

Throughout the lecture there are demonstrations including some involving liquid nitrogen, oxygen foam, dry ice and a few explosions. Some familiar Chemistry concepts will be revised and some expansion of ideas about climate and climate change.

Lecturer Profile: Tim Harrison

Suitable for: Year 10 and 11

Preparation/Pre-reading: None required.

However post lecture reading:

Information about simpler experiments.

Further information about possible future experiments.

Extension Reading: Ozone depletion, Stabilisation wedges.

If back copies of Chemistry Review magazine are available:

A. Harrison, T.G., Shallcross, D.E., Henshaw, S., Detecting CO2 -the Hunt for Greenhouse-gas Emissions (2006). Chemistry Review, 15 (3), 27-31.

B. Shallcross, D.E. and Harrison, T.G., (2009b). Out of thin air. Hydrogen in the Earth’s Atmosphere, Chemistry Review, 19, 2-6.

C. Shallcross, D.E. and Harrison, T.G., (2010b). Out of thin air. From Volcanoes to Sea Salt: Atmospheric Sulfur Chemistry Review, 20 (1), 16-19.

D. Shallcross, D.E. and Harrison, T.G., (2010). Out of thin air. Atmospheric Nitrogen. Chemistry Review, 20 (2), 7-9.

E. Grant A., and Harrison T.G. (2011). Out of Thin Air. Poison in the Air: Atmospheric Carbon monoxide, Chemistry Review, 20(3).

F. Khan A., Harrison, T.G. and Shallcross, D.E. (2011). Out of Thin Air. Do Ants Destroy the Ozone Layer? Chemistry Review, 20(4).