Medio ambiente (ingles)

Chemical reactions and the environment.

Carbon Cycle- Circulation of carbon through ecosystems in Earth.

We need to know what is carbon: •A non-metallic element found in coal, petroleum andnatural gas. Major component of life.

•Fourth most abundant element in universe.

•Building block of all living things.

•Main Pathway– in and out of living matter.

•Soil Respiration-Carbohydrates are oxidized and returned to the air by soil microorganisms that decompose dead animals. •Atmosphere- layer of gasses •Fossil Fuels- Carbon-rich fuel from ancient animals and plants•Photosynthesis- Energy (sun)+ Water+ Carbon dioxide Carbohydrates+ Oxygen •Cellular Respiration- Glucose+ Oxygen CO2+ H20+ Energy (ATP) •Decomposition- breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi

BiologicalImportance: All living organisms contain carbon CO2 is found in all living organisms Plants use carbon dioxide and water to form simple sugars (photosynthesis)

Ecological Importance:

Carbon isneeded for life Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas Carbon is necessary for life, but carbon dioxide can be harmful

Fossil fuels are fuels formed by natural resources such as anaerobicdecomposition of buried dead organisms. The age of the organisms and their resulting fossil fuels is typically millions of years, and sometimes exceeds 650 million years.The fossil fuels, which contain highpercentages of carbon, include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

Petroleum and natural gas are formed by the anaerobic decomposition of remains of organisms including phytoplankton and zooplankton thatsettled to the sea (or lake) bottom in large quantities under anoxic conditions, millions of years ago.

•Burned fossil fuels release damaging gas. Fossil fuel combustion creates acids, such assulfuric and carbonic, that rise into the atmosphere and return as acid rain. Acid rain damages plant life, soil and water.
•Fossil fuels can create solid waste, damaging the soil. Fossil fuels'...