How Much Greenhouse Gases Are Produced By Cars — Reading Comprehension

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This educational content, audio integrated, explores the critical topic of how much greenhouse gases are produced by cars, a key aspect of human impact on the environment. Students will learn about the science behind these emissions, including the role of **fossil fuels** and the release of **carbon dioxide**. The reading passage, suitable for a 6th-grade level, defines important terms like **greenhouse effect** and **climate change**. Activities include comprehension questions, a glossary, and short answer questions, all designed to deepen understanding of this important environmental issue. This content directly supports the NGSS standard MS-ESS3-3, which focuses on applying scientific principles to design methods for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment, particularly concerning vehicle emissions and global warming.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Car emits CO₂, CH₄, N₂O gases; Earth’s greenhouse effect; cleaner EV and fuel-efficient alternatives — Car exhaust gases causing greenhouse effect; electric and efficient cars shown as solutions.

Have you ever wondered what comes out of a car's exhaust pipe? When you see a car driving, it might look like nothing much, but cars are a big source of gases that can affect our planet. These gases are called greenhouse gases. Understanding how much cars produce and why it matters is important for everyone.

Most cars run on fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel. These fuels were formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. When we burn these fuels in a car's engine, a chemical reaction happens. This reaction releases energy that makes the car move, but it also releases gases into the air. The main greenhouse gas released by cars is carbon dioxide (CO2). Other gases, though in smaller amounts, include methane and nitrous oxide.

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases act like a blanket around the Earth. They trap some of the sun's heat, which is a natural process called the greenhouse effect. Without it, our planet would be too cold for life. However, when we add too many of these gases to the atmosphere, the blanket gets thicker, trapping more heat. This extra heat causes the Earth's average temperature to rise, leading to climate change. This can result in problems like more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and impacts on plants and animals.

Every time you drive a car that uses gasoline, it adds to the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. The amount produced depends on factors like the car's fuel efficiency, how far it drives, and even how fast it accelerates. For example, a typical passenger car might produce about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year! That's a lot of gas from just one car. This is why scientists and engineers are working on ways to reduce these emissions, such as developing electric vehicles that don't burn fossil fuels, or improving the fuel efficiency of gasoline cars. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and finding cleaner transportation alternatives are key steps to a healthier planet and less air pollution.

Interesting Fact: A single gallon of gasoline, when burned in a car, produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide!

What is the main greenhouse gas released by cars?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHydrogen

What do cars typically run on?

Fossil fuelsWaterSolar powerWind power

The greenhouse effect is a natural process.

TrueFalse

What is another name for gasoline or diesel?

Fossil fuelsRenewable energyBiofuelsElectric power

How does burning fossil fuels in cars impact Earth's temperature?

Makes Earth coolerIncreases temperatureHas no effectCreates more oxygen

Which is NOT a result of climate change mentioned?