Question

Explain the origin of the earth and atmosphere.

Answer 1

The primitive atmosphere of earth was reducing atmosphere with little or no oxygen but was rich in water vapour, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen. The UV and gamma radiations from Sun were the major source of energy for chemogenesis as these radiations have energy quanta that can release electrons from atoms resulting in the formation of highly reactive free radicals which in turn combined to form early organic compounds. Owing to immense long lasting rainstorms, a tremendous amount of lightning was generated. Lightning provided energy for chemical reactions between hydrogen and free oxygen, nitrogen and carbon to form water (present in form of superheated steam due to high earth temperature), ammonia, methane and cyanides. Gradual cooling down of earth atmosphere caused condensation of superheated steam into water resulting in rainfall that carried ammonia, methane and cyanides to the earth surface. Due to high temperature, the earlier rainwater containing organic compounds boiled on reaching the earth surface and caused even more chemical reactions. These chemical reactions resulted in the formation of the chain of amino acids and sugars which resulted in the formation of proteins and carbohydrates respectively.