Gases in the atmosphere
I am able to name the main gases in the atmosphere and describe the test and some uses for each one.
Gases in the atmosphere
I am able to name the main gases in the atmosphere and describe the test and some uses for each one.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Earth’s atmosphere is mostly within 7 to 15 km of its surface.
- Earth's atmosphere is 78% N₂ and 21% O₂, with very small amounts of other gases and particles of liquids and solids.
- Greenhouse gases keep Earth’s temperature warm enought for human life.
- The test for oxygen gas is that it relights a glowing splint.
- The test for carbon dioxide gas is that it forms a white precipitate that turns limewater milky.
Keywords
Atmosphere - a layer of gases that surrounds a planet and may contain small amounts of solid and liquid particles
Mixture - a combination of two or more substances that are physically mixed and can be separated
Respiration - a chemical process that uses oxygen from the air and glucose to provide energy for life processes
Precipitate - an insoluble solid formed when two solutions react together
Common misconception
The atmosphere is mostly oxygen.
Describe the atmosphere as ~78% unreactive nitrogen and ~20% oxygen. Explain that if the atmosphere were mostly oxygen, the planet would quickly be engulfed in fire.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Gases in the atmosphere, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Gases in the atmosphere, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Carbon cycle and climate change unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
contains different substances that can be physically separated
made up of only one type of atom
contains different elements chemically bonded together