KS3 Science Revision

Carbon is a very important element and effects almost everything. The carbon cycle shows the movement of carbon in and out of the atmosphere.

 

Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air via photosynthesis. They use this carbon dioxide to make carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

 

Carbon is passed along the food chain as animals eat. Some of the carbon in plants is passed to the animals who eat, who also use it to make proteins and fat. This carbon continues to move across the food chain.

 

Respiration and combustion return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. When we respire, we release carbon dioxide. This goes back into the atmosphere. When animals die, they are burried and eventually used as fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels also releases carbon dioxide.