Physics HL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Physics HL
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Global Warming: The Undeniable Climate Shift We Face
642 words
4 mins read
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024
Table of content
Introduction 🌍
- Earth is experiencing climate change with significant warming that affects sea levels and global climates.
- In the 17th century, the "Little Ice Age" occurred, causing the River Thames in London to freeze, and events were even held on the ice!
What causes global warming? 🤔
- Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
- As the concentration of greenhouse gases increases in the atmosphere, the Earth traps more heat.
- Example: Imagine wrapping yourself in multiple blankets. The more blankets (or greenhouse gases) you have, the warmer you get.
- Solar Flare Activity: Periodic eruptions on the sun that can influence Earth's climate.
- Cyclic Changes in Earth’s Orbit: The tilt and wobble in Earth's orbit around the Sun can affect climate.
- Volcanic Activity: Eruptions release gases and ash, which can influence global temperatures.
Evidence 📊
- Since the 18th-century Industrial Revolution, the burning of fossil fuels has increased, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases.
- CO2 levels recently exceeded 400ppm in Hawaii for the first time.
- Antarctic ice cores give evidence of atmospheric compositions going back 0.8 million years.
Feedback loops - when warming causes more warming! 😱
- Melting Ice Caps: As polar ice melts, Earth's average albedo (reflectivity) decreases. Darker water absorbs more energy, warming the planet even more.
- Real-world example: Wearing a black t-shirt on a sunny day will make you feel hotter than wearing a white one.
- Ocean Temperature: Warmer oceans absorb less CO2, increasing its concentration in the atmosphere.
- Human Influence: Deforestation reduces the amount of carbon fixed in plants, accelerating global warming.
How can we address global warming? 🌱
- Efficient power production.
- Switching to non-fossil-fuel energy sources.
- Carbon capture and storage technologies.
- International agreements, like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Unlock the Full Content! 
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Physics HL
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Global Warming: The Undeniable Climate Shift We Face
642 words
4 mins read
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024
Table of content
Introduction 🌍
- Earth is experiencing climate change with significant warming that affects sea levels and global climates.
- In the 17th century, the "Little Ice Age" occurred, causing the River Thames in London to freeze, and events were even held on the ice!
What causes global warming? 🤔
- Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
- As the concentration of greenhouse gases increases in the atmosphere, the Earth traps more heat.
- Example: Imagine wrapping yourself in multiple blankets. The more blankets (or greenhouse gases) you have, the warmer you get.
- Solar Flare Activity: Periodic eruptions on the sun that can influence Earth's climate.
- Cyclic Changes in Earth’s Orbit: The tilt and wobble in Earth's orbit around the Sun can affect climate.
- Volcanic Activity: Eruptions release gases and ash, which can influence global temperatures.
Evidence 📊
- Since the 18th-century Industrial Revolution, the burning of fossil fuels has increased, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases.
- CO2 levels recently exceeded 400ppm in Hawaii for the first time.
- Antarctic ice cores give evidence of atmospheric compositions going back 0.8 million years.
Feedback loops - when warming causes more warming! 😱
- Melting Ice Caps: As polar ice melts, Earth's average albedo (reflectivity) decreases. Darker water absorbs more energy, warming the planet even more.
- Real-world example: Wearing a black t-shirt on a sunny day will make you feel hotter than wearing a white one.
- Ocean Temperature: Warmer oceans absorb less CO2, increasing its concentration in the atmosphere.
- Human Influence: Deforestation reduces the amount of carbon fixed in plants, accelerating global warming.
How can we address global warming? 🌱
- Efficient power production.
- Switching to non-fossil-fuel energy sources.
- Carbon capture and storage technologies.
- International agreements, like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
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