Nitrogen Cycle

Discussion Questions:

1. The atmosphere is 80%  nitrogen: why do you think plants and animals can't use nitrogen as it is found in the atmosphere?
    A: Plants and animals can't use nitrogen because nitrogen in the atmosphere is in a form not usable to organisms. 
2. Explain what is meant by nitrogen fixation.
   A:  Nitrogen fixation is the process which bacteria is converted into nitrogen gas (N2) into organic compounds that living organisms can take up.
3. What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?
   A: Bacteria uses and transforms the nitrogen into usable form which then can enter the nitrogen cycle.
4. Why don't legumes need nitrogen-containing fertilizers?
   A: Legumes fix nitrogen in nodules on their roots so they don't need nitrogen-containing fertilizers
5. Why is nitrogen so important to living things?
   A: Nitrogen is important to living things. Plants use nitrogen in photosynthesis and is needed to be healthy. Proteins are made up partly of nitrogen which is needed by people and animals .
6. What are the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle? 
   A: The processes involved in the nitrogen cycle are Nitrogen fixation, Ammonification, Nitrification, Assimilation and Denitrification.

Layers of the Atmosphere

Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere

Discussion Questions

1. Why are the four major layers of the atmosphere separated where they are?
    A: The four major layers of the atmosphere are separated because of temperature.
2. What increases the temperature in the stratosphere?
    A: The absorption of UV rays from the sun of the ozone layer increases the temperature in the atmosphere.
3. Can planes fly in the mesosphere? Why or why not?
    A: No. It is because the oxygen is insufficient and the atmospheric pressure is too low for an aircraft for an aircraft engine to work.
4. On what does the temperature in the thermosphere depend?
    A: The temperature in the thermosphere depend on the weather of the sun is active or not.