Final answer:
The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is 409.25 ppm, which as a percentage is 0.040925%. However, the closest provided answer option is (b) 0.004092%, which seems incorrect due to a misplaced decimal point. The correct answer would actually be closer to option (d) 0.01-0.1%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is 409.25 ppm (parts per million). To convert this amount to a percentage, you would use the equation (ppm / 1,000,000) * 100%. Thus, the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is (409.25 / 1,000,000) * 100%, which equates to 0.040925%. However, as per the given options, the closest answer is (b) 0.004092%, which appears to be a typo since it moves the decimal point one place too far. The correct conversion should be 0.040925%, indicating a potential error in the provided options.
It is important to note that atmospheric CO2 concentrations have dramatically increased due to human activities. Since pre-industrial times, CO2 levels have risen by approximately 45%, from 280 ppm to over 400 ppm, according to the data provided. The current levels are unprecedented in the last 800,000 years, highlighting the significant impact of human carbon emissions.