10 Questions
What percentage of the total mass of the atmosphere is present in the first 32 kilometers from the earth's surface?
99%
What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the atmosphere?
To absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun's light
What is the approximate distance from the earth's surface where the atmosphere exists?
1600 kilometers
What is the primary component of the earth's atmosphere, making up around 78% of its composition?
Nitrogen
What is the name of the lowest layer of the earth's atmosphere?
Troposphere
What is the primary reason for the maximum troposphere thickness on the equator?
The strong flow of convection currents due to heat transportation
What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?
To absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun's light
What is the characteristic of the temperature in the mesosphere?
It decreases with increasing altitude and reaches up to 100 degrees centigrade at the topmost height
What is the primary reason for the increase in temperature in the thermosphere?
The presence of ultraviolet light
What is the characteristic of the air density in the exosphere?
It is low due to the far distance from the Earth's surface
Study Notes
Atmosphere Definition and Function
- The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth or other celestial bodies.
- It acts as an envelope around the Earth, held in place by gravity.
- The atmosphere protects the Earth's creatures from ultraviolet wavelength rays and maintains the necessary temperature for human life.
Atmosphere Composition
- The atmosphere is a mixture of different gases, water vapor, and dust particles.
- The composition ratio varies depending on geographical conditions.
- Nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and argon (0.9%) are the main components, with carbon dioxide (0.03%) and others making up the remaining part.
- Methane, neon, and phosphorus are present in small amounts (0.1%).
- Ozone gas is a crucial component, absorbing ultraviolet radiation and preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface.
Layers of the Atmosphere
- The atmosphere is divided into five layers based on temperature and density.
Troposphere
- The lowermost layer, with a height of approximately 18 km at the equator and 8 km at the poles.
- This layer is where all weather changes occur.
- Thickness is maximum at the equator due to heat transportation by convection currents.
Stratosphere
- Located above the troposphere, extending up to 50 km.
- Temperature remains constant up to 20 km, then increases due to the presence of ozone gas.
- Ozone gas acts as a filter, absorbing ultraviolet radiation and preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface.
Mesosphere
- Located between 50 km and 80 km.
- Temperature decreases with altitude, reaching -100°C at the top.
Thermosphere
- Contains electrically charged particles (ions) known as the ionosphere.
- Radio wavelength broadcasting occurs due to reflection from these layers.
- Temperature increases due to ultraviolet light presence.
Exosphere
- The uppermost atmospheric layer, with gases dispersed due to lack of gravitational force.
- Air density is low due to the far distance from the Earth's surface.
Importance of the Atmosphere
- Provides oxygen for breathing and carbon dioxide for plants.
- Essential for human life, providing air for living organisms to breathe.
Explore the layers of gases surrounding the Earth, their composition, and their role in protecting life from harmful radiation.
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