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Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Question 1
1.1. Write explanatory notes on the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, known as
greenhouse gases, trap heat from the Sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This trapped
heat warms the planet, making it livable and maintaining the temperatures necessary for life.
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), water vapor (H₂O), and nitrous
oxide (N₂O). These gases allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere, but they absorb and emit
infrared radiation (heat), which keeps the Earth's surface warmer than it would be without them. The
natural greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth, as it maintains temperatures that support
ecosystems, agriculture, and water systems.
However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have
significantly increased the concentrations of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This
enhanced greenhouse effect leads to global warming, a rise in the Earth's average temperature, which
can cause severe climate changes, including more frequent heatwaves, rising sea levels, and
disrupted weather patterns. In summary, the greenhouse effect is a critical process for maintaining
Earth's climate, but excessive levels of greenhouse gases are contributing to climate change.
1.2. Distinguish between hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions.
Distinguishing Between Hypertonic, Hypotonic, and Isotonic Solutions
The terms hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic refer to the concentrations of solutes in solutions and
how they affect the movement of water in and out of cells. Understanding these terms is essential for
comprehending the processes of osmosis and the effects of various solutions on cell behavior.
Isotonic Solution
An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell.
This means that there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, and the cell retains its
shape. The water molecules move in and out of the cell at the same rate, maintaining equilibrium.
Hypertonic Solution
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside. As a result,
water will move out of the cell through osmosis in an attempt to balance the concentration of solutes.
This loss of water causes the cell to shrink or crenate, which can be harmful to the cell if the
environment remains hypertonic for an extended period.
Hypotonic Solution
In contrast, a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside.
Here, water will move into the cell by osmosis, attempting to dilute the higher solute concentration
inside the cell. As the cell takes in water, it may swell and, in extreme cases, burst if the pressure
becomes too great (especially in animal cells that lack a rigid cell wall).
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Question 1
1.1. Write explanatory notes on the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, known as
greenhouse gases, trap heat from the Sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This trapped
heat warms the planet, making it livable and maintaining the temperatures necessary for life.
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), water vapor (H₂O), and nitrous
oxide (N₂O). These gases allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere, but they absorb and emit
infrared radiation (heat), which keeps the Earth's surface warmer than it would be without them. The
natural greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth, as it maintains temperatures that support
ecosystems, agriculture, and water systems.
However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have
significantly increased the concentrations of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This
enhanced greenhouse effect leads to global warming, a rise in the Earth's average temperature, which
can cause severe climate changes, including more frequent heatwaves, rising sea levels, and
disrupted weather patterns. In summary, the greenhouse effect is a critical process for maintaining
Earth's climate, but excessive levels of greenhouse gases are contributing to climate change.
1.2. Distinguish between hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions.
Distinguishing Between Hypertonic, Hypotonic, and Isotonic Solutions
The terms hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic refer to the concentrations of solutes in solutions and
how they affect the movement of water in and out of cells. Understanding these terms is essential for
comprehending the processes of osmosis and the effects of various solutions on cell behavior.
Isotonic Solution
An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell.
This means that there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, and the cell retains its
shape. The water molecules move in and out of the cell at the same rate, maintaining equilibrium.
Hypertonic Solution
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside. As a result,
water will move out of the cell through osmosis in an attempt to balance the concentration of solutes.
This loss of water causes the cell to shrink or crenate, which can be harmful to the cell if the
environment remains hypertonic for an extended period.
Hypotonic Solution
In contrast, a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside.
Here, water will move into the cell by osmosis, attempting to dilute the higher solute concentration
inside the cell. As the cell takes in water, it may swell and, in extreme cases, burst if the pressure
becomes too great (especially in animal cells that lack a rigid cell wall).
