If a time machine transported you to the early days of the Earth's atmosphere, before plants and animals existed on our planet, which of the following best describes what would happen?
A)You would slowly photodissociate.
B)You would be crushed by the atmospheric pressure.
C)There would be enough oxygen in the air for you to breathe.
D)You would be outgassed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The early Earth's atmosphere was composed mainly of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and small amounts of methane and ammonia. There was no oxygen present in the air at that time. If a time machine transported you to that period, you would not be able to breathe as there was no oxygen. However, if the machine provided you with a source of oxygen or you brought your own source of oxygen, you would be able to breathe as there was no atmospheric pressure or photodissociation issue.

If a Time Machine Transported You to the Early Days