Atmosphere and Planets in Our Solar System

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Questions and Answers

Which planet in our solar system does NOT have an atmosphere?

Jupiter

Mars

Mercury (correct)

Earth

What does the word 'ATMO' literally mean?

Air

Round

Space

Vapor (correct)

What are the three ways our atmosphere protects us?

Protects from solar radiation, prevents earthquakes, prevents floods

Protects from space debris, prevents earthquakes, prevents floods

Protects from solar radiation, protects from space debris, prevents earthquakes

Protects from solar radiation, protects from space debris, prevents water vapor and all other gases from escaping Earth (correct)

Why is the Troposphere also called the Biosphere?

Because it is where all living things are located on the surface of the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Troposphere?

It drops, gets colder Signup and view all the answers

What are three reasons why the atmosphere turns lethal as we go higher?

Decreased Oxygen levels, lower air pressure, extreme temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the Ozone Layer to life on Earth?

It absorbs radiation from the sun, preventing it from coming to the planet's surface Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is the only one where you will find atmospheric phenomena such as rain, storms, hail, clouds?

Troposphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of CFGs on the Ozone layer?

They release chlorine atoms that break down Ozone Signup and view all the answers

Why were CFC gases banned globally by 1987?

They were depleting the Ozone layer Signup and view all the answers

What weather phenomenon is responsible for replenishing the Ozone layer?

Lightning Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of John Kittinger and Felix Baumgartner in the study of the Atmosphere?

They provided information about the Stratosphere and tested human survival limits Signup and view all the answers

Why are balloons used to climb to the Stratosphere only filled with helium halfway?

To prevent the balloon from popping Signup and view all the answers

What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Stratosphere?

It gets warmer Signup and view all the answers

What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Mesosphere?

It gets colder Signup and view all the answers

Why do Meteorites burn as they go through the Mesosphere?

Due to the concentration of gas increasing friction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atmosphere and Its Layers

Not all planets have an atmosphere; Mercury is the only planet in our solar system without one.
The word "atmosphere" comes from "atmo-" meaning vapor and "-sphere" meaning round.
Atmosphere is a protective barrier of gases surrounding the Earth.

Functions of the Atmosphere

Protects us from solar radiation
Protects from space debris
Prevents water vapor and gases from escaping Earth

Layers of the Atmosphere

Scientists discovered pauses in temperature change between layers, allowing them to separate the atmosphere into 5 distinct layers.

Troposphere

Also known as the Biosphere, as it's where all living things are located on the Earth's surface
Temperature decreases as you go higher in the Troposphere
This layer is where atmospheric phenomena such as rain, storms, hail, and clouds occur

Risks of Higher Altitudes

Decreased oxygen levels
Lower air pressure
Extreme temperatures make the atmosphere lethal at higher altitudes

Stratosphere

Hotter than the Troposphere due to ozone molecules absorbing energy from UV rays
Ozone layer absorbs radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the planet's surface

Ozone Layer

Important for life on Earth, as it prevents radiation damage to plants, crops, humans, and skin
Man-made CFC gases damaged the Ozone Layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach the surface

Other Layers

Mesosphere: temperature decreases as you move away from the Ozone layer
Thermosphere: low air density, so meteors do not burn here

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Description

Quiz about the planets and their atmospheres, including Mercury and the protective functions of the Earth's atmosphere.