Language of Chemistry
Atmosphere layer of air that surrounds the earth’s surface. (The innermost layer of the atmosphere is the troposphere. It extends about 20 km [12Êmi] above the earth and contains 95% of the air mass of the atmosphere.)
Autotroph organism utilizing inorganic materials as food.
Biogeochemical cycle mechanism by which elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen are continuously reused by plants and animals.
Biota all living organisms of the earth.
Chlorophyll green pigment in plants that absorbs energy from the sun and catalyzes the reactions that produce carbohydrates.
Deforestation excessive removal of trees from an area without adequate replanting.
Detritus dead organic matter; excreted wastes and body remains of plants and animals.
Fixation conversion of nitrogen into soluble nitrogen compounds, largely by certain bacteria in the soil but also by lightning.
Nitrification oxidation of nitrites to nitrates by certain bacteria in the soil.
Photochemical smog smog is a term originally coined from the words smoke and fog. It is currently used to describe a photochemical haze produced by the reaction of sun and atmosphere on certain compounds of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon produced primarily by automobile exhaust.
Photosynthesis series of reactions that takes place in plant chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight into carbohydrates and oxygen.
Respiration series of cellular reactions in plants and animals that convert sugars and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Stratosphere part of the atmosphere extending from 20-50 km (12-30 mi) above the surface of the earth. It contains the ozone layer.