20 Questions
What is the composition of nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere?
78%
Which layer of the atmosphere is very stable with no weather activity?
Stratosphere
What is the molecule composition of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere?
O3
What is the characteristic that distinguishes climate from weather?
Long-term pattern
What keeps the mix of gases in the atmosphere from dissipating into space?
Gravity
What is the main function of the bonds of ozone molecules in the atmosphere?
To absorb harmful effects of ultraviolet light energy
Which layer of the atmosphere contains ions responsible for the reflection of radio waves back to Earth and the appearance of aurora borealis?
Thermosphere
What is the main reason for the extreme hot temperatures in the thermosphere?
Absorption of ultraviolet light energy
Why is the mesosphere colder than the stratosphere?
Because there are fewer ozone molecules
What is the main function of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
To retain heat in the atmosphere
What is the primary reason why most airplanes fly in the lower part of the stratosphere?
To take advantage of stable atmospheric conditions
Which layer of the atmosphere is characterized by the presence of the ozone layer?
Stratosphere
What is the primary reason for the extreme cold temperatures in the mesosphere?
Absence of greenhouse gases
Which component of the atmosphere is primarily responsible for preventing the mix of gases from dissipating into space?
Nitrogen
In which layer of the atmosphere does gravity play a crucial role in keeping the mix of gases from dissipating into space?
Troposphere
What is the primary function of the bonds of ozone molecules in the atmosphere?
To absorb harmful ultraviolet light energy and protect life on Earth
Why is the mesosphere colder than the stratosphere?
Due to the absence of ozone molecules to absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat
What is responsible for the extreme hot temperatures in the thermosphere?
The presence of a layer of ions reflecting radio waves back to Earth
What causes the air pressure in the atmosphere?
The force exerted on a surface by the air above it as gravity pulls it to Earth
Why does an ordinary thermometer show a temperature below 0°C in the thermosphere despite the extremely high temperatures?
Because there are not enough molecules to strike the thermometer and warm it much
Study Notes
Atmospheric Composition
- Nitrogen makes up a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere.
Atmospheric Layers
- The stratosphere is a very stable layer with no weather activity.
Ozone Molecule
- Ozone molecules in the Earth's atmosphere are composed of three oxygen atoms (O3).
Climate vs. Weather
- The key characteristic that distinguishes climate from weather is time, with climate referring to long-term atmospheric conditions and weather referring to short-term conditions.
Atmospheric Retention
- Gravity and the thermal energy of the atmosphere's gases keep the mix of gases from dissipating into space.
Ozone Molecule Function
- The main function of the bonds of ozone molecules is to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.
Ionosphere
- The ionosphere is a layer of the atmosphere that contains ions responsible for the reflection of radio waves back to Earth and the appearance of the aurora borealis.
Thermosphere
- The extreme hot temperatures in the thermosphere are due to the absorption of UV radiation by oxygen and nitrogen.
Mesosphere
- The mesosphere is colder than the stratosphere because there is limited solar heating and cooling occurs through the emission of infrared radiation.
- The primary reason for the extreme cold temperatures in the mesosphere is the limited solar heating and the emission of infrared radiation.
Greenhouse Gases
- The main function of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is to trap heat and maintain the Earth's temperature.
Stratospheric Flight
- Most airplanes fly in the lower part of the stratosphere because of the stable and calm conditions, making it suitable for aircraft navigation.
Ozone Layer
- The stratosphere is characterized by the presence of the ozone layer.
Atmospheric Pressure
- Air pressure in the atmosphere is caused by the weight of the air molecules.
- Gravity plays a crucial role in keeping the mix of gases from dissipating into space, especially in the troposphere and stratosphere.
Thermometer Temperature
- An ordinary thermometer shows a temperature below 0°C in the thermosphere despite the extremely high temperatures because the thermometer measures the kinetic energy of the air molecules, which is low due to the low density of air.
Test your knowledge about the atmosphere and climate with this quiz. Learn about the composition of the Earth's atmosphere, the role of gravity, the difference between climate and weather, and the layers of the atmosphere.
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