Answer:
Part 1: Compound C in the given diagram represents "Fossils and Fossil Fuels." Fossils and fossil fuels are carbon-rich substances derived from the remains of once-living organisms, such as plants and animals, that have undergone geological processes over millions of years.
Part 2: The process that could release compound C (fossils and fossil fuels) into the air is combustion. When fossil fuels are burned, such as in power plants, vehicles, or industrial processes, carbon compounds are oxidized and released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2).
Part 3: During the carbon cycle, the elements that form compound C (carbon) are conserved through a series of interconnected processes. When living organisms die, their organic matter, rich in carbon, may be buried and undergo geological processes over time, transforming into fossil fuels. These fossil fuels can remain trapped in the Earth's crust for millions of years until they are extracted and burned.
When fossil fuels are combusted, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2. However, it's important to note that carbon is not lost from the carbon cycle but rather undergoes transformations between different reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. The CO2 released through combustion is eventually taken up by plants during photosynthesis, where it is used to produce organic matter and store carbon. This process helps maintain the balance of carbon in the cycle.
In summary, compound C (fossils and fossil fuels) represents carbon-rich substances formed from the remains of living organisms. The process of combustion releases this compound as carbon dioxide into the air. The conservation of carbon throughout the carbon cycle involves the transformation and transfer of carbon between various reservoirs, ensuring its continual circulation in the Earth's systems.