Earth Science Quiz: Atmosphere and Orbit

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What is the most abundant gas in the composition of air?

Carbon Dioxide

Argon

Nitrogen (correct)

Oxygen

Which component of air is primarily responsible for cloud formation and precipitation?

Methane

Ozone

Water Vapor (correct)

Carbon Dioxide

What percentage of the air's composition is made up of carbon dioxide?

14.8%

21.014%

0.030% (correct)

0.901%

Which gas is known for absorbing harmful UV radiation in the atmosphere?

Ozone Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant constitutes the highest percentage of primary pollutants from transportation?

Nitrogen Oxides Signup and view all the answers

What is the tilt of the Earth in degrees?

23.5° Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for the Earth to revolve around the Sun?

364.26 days Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon causes day and night on Earth?

Earth's rotation on its axis Signup and view all the answers

In which direction does the Earth rotate?

Counter clockwise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for leap years?

To account for the extra time in Earth's revolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for when Earth is closest to the sun?

Perihelion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes how seasons are caused?

By the tilt of Earth's axis Signup and view all the answers

What does the celestial equator represent?

Earth's equator projected onto the celestial sphere Signup and view all the answers

What happens at aphelion in Earth's orbit?

Earth is farthest from the sun Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about Earth's orbit is true?

The orbit is considered ecliptic Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the seasons on Earth?

Tilt and revolution of the Earth Signup and view all the answers

At what angle is the Earth's axis tilted relative to its orbital plane?

23.5 degrees Signup and view all the answers

How does the angle of the sun affect heating on Earth?

Higher angle results in more concentrated solar energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an effect of a low angle of the sun?

Less heating due to energy being more spread out Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs during the solstices?

The sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky Signup and view all the answers

What is the date of the Vernal Equinox?

March 21st Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs during an equinox?

Daylight and night both last 12 hours Signup and view all the answers

Where does sunlight strike the Earth most directly during an equinox?

Equator Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'equinox'?

Equal day and night Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is oriented directly towards or away from the Sun?

Solstices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following latitudes is NOT indicated in the diagram?

Tropic of Leo Signup and view all the answers

During which solstice does the North pole experience 24 hours of daylight?

Summer Solstice Signup and view all the answers

What is happening at the Equinoxes?

Daylight and nighttime are equal. Signup and view all the answers

Why is summer warmer than winter in each hemisphere?

The Sun's rays are more direct. Signup and view all the answers

When does the Vernal Equinox occur?

March 21st Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of water vapor in the atmosphere?

It varies between 0-4% but has a significant presence. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for water to transition from a solid to a liquid state?

Absorption of heat by the ice. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the energy required for water to change from a liquid to a gas?

Latent heat of evaporation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about latent heat is correct?

Latent heat is stored in the liquid and released when returning to solid state. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is essential for the process of evaporation to occur?

Energy must be absorbed by the water molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when water vapor changes back into a liquid state?

Condensation Signup and view all the answers

What is released during condensation that is crucial for weather phenomena?

Latent heat of condensation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the amount of water vapor present in the air?

Humidity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the process of a solid turning directly into a gas?

Sublimation Signup and view all the answers

What type of humidity measurement indicates the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture?

Dew point Signup and view all the answers