Gr 9 NATURAL SCIENCES: CH 4.4 The mesosphere

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What is the lowest altitude of the thermosphere?

80 km (correct)

200 km

50 km

120 km

What is the primary reason for the extreme temperatures in the thermosphere?

Atmospheric pressure

Solar activity (correct)

Earth's rotation

Air density

What is the function of the ionosphere in terms of radio communication?

Radio wave absorption

Radio wave emission

Radio wave reflection (correct)

Radio wave transmission

At what altitude does the International Space Station (ISS) orbit?

370 km Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the air density in the thermosphere?

Extremely low Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the phenomenon created by the interaction between solar wind particles and the ions in the ionosphere?

Auroras Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of temperatures in the thermosphere?

From -90°C to 1500°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ionosphere in terms of harmful radiation?

Protecting the Earth by absorbing harmful radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest altitude of the thermosphere?

2000 km Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the aurora phenomenon visible in the southern hemisphere?

Aurora australis Signup and view all the answers

What is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere characterized by very low air density and extreme temperatures?

Thermosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following satellites does not orbit within the thermosphere?

Geo-stationary satellites Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which ions are formed in the ionosphere?

Ionization due to solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the low air density in the thermosphere on an object passing through it?

It would feel extremely cold due to the low air density Signup and view all the answers

What lies beyond the thermosphere?

The exosphere and outer space Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the beautiful displays of light seen near the polar regions?

Aurora Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the temperature in the thermosphere?

It increases dramatically due to solar activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of altitudes within which most Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbit?

160 km to 2000 km Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phenomenon visible in the northern hemisphere?

Aurora Borealis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the ionosphere in terms of radio communication?

To reflect longer wavelength radio waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the dramatic increase in temperature in the thermosphere?

The absorption of high-energy ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray radiation from the Sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the ionization process in the ionosphere?

The creation of ions by knocking electrons off atoms and molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the region of the atmosphere where the air density is too low to transfer significant heat to objects passing through it?

The thermosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the ionosphere in terms of protecting the Earth?

To absorb harmful radiation from the Sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of altitudes within which the International Space Station (ISS) orbits?

160 km to 2000 km Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phenomenon where the Earth's atmosphere interacts with the solar wind?

Aurora Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the temperature in the thermosphere during periods of low solar activity?

Extremely low, reaching -90°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the thermosphere would feel cold to humans despite its high temperature?

The air density is too low to transfer significant heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the layer of the Earth's atmosphere that lies beyond the thermosphere?

The exosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ionosphere in terms of long-distance radio communication?