Warm-up: Comparing Atmospheres

Front

What is the greenhouse effect and how does it relate to Venus?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat in a planet's atmosphere due to gases like carbon dioxide. Venus is the hottest planet because its thick atmosphere is composed mostly of carbon dioxide, which traps heat.

Front

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere.

Front

Why is Earth's atmosphere considered exceptional among terrestrial planets?

Back

Earth's atmosphere is exceptional because it has a high percentage of oxygen (about 21%) and a low percentage of carbon dioxide (about 0.04%), which supports life.

Front

What gas gives Uranus its blue color?

Back

Methane, which absorbs red light and reflects blue light.

Front

What role does gravity play in maintaining a planet's atmosphere?

Back

Gravity pulls the gases in the atmosphere towards the planet, preventing them from escaping into space.

Front

What are the primary components of the outer planets' atmospheres?

Back

The outer planets primarily consist of hydrogen and helium.

Front

How does the composition of Earth's atmosphere differ from that of Venus?

Back

Earth's atmosphere has a high percentage of oxygen and a low percentage of carbon dioxide, while Venus has a thick atmosphere dominated by carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the significance of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Front

What is atmospheric pressure and how is it affected by altitude?

Back

Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the air above a given point. It decreases with increasing altitude because there is less air above to exert pressure.

Front

What is the role of water vapor in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Water vapor is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect and plays a crucial role in weather and climate.