To match the gases with the processes in Earth's early atmosphere compared to our current atmosphere:
1. Lighter gases:
- Process: Escaped into space
Explanation: Lighter gases like hydrogen and helium were present in Earth's early atmosphere. Due to their low mass, these gases were able to escape into space over time, leading to their absence in our current atmosphere.
2. Heavier gases:
- Process: Sank to the surface
Explanation: Heavier gases such as nitrogen and oxygen were present in Earth's early atmosphere. These gases sank to the surface due to their higher density, contributing to the composition of our current atmosphere.
3. Oxygen:
- Process: Produced through photosynthesis
Explanation: Oxygen was not abundant in Earth's early atmosphere but increased over time due to the process of photosynthesis by plants and other organisms. This process involves converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, leading to the significant presence of oxygen in our current atmosphere.
4. Carbon dioxide:
- Process: Released by volcanoes
Explanation: Carbon dioxide was released into the atmosphere by volcanic activity in Earth's early atmosphere. Volcanic eruptions emitted carbon dioxide along with other gases. While carbon dioxide is still released by volcanoes today, the balance of gases in our current atmosphere has been influenced by various processes over time.
