The Atmosphere

What is the definition of atmosphere?

• the gases surrounding our planet

• all the gases except greenhouse gases

• only greenhouse gases

• the percentage of oxygen in the air

If you measured the weight of a column of air from the top of the atmosphere to sea level in a 1" x 1" area, how much would that column weigh?

• 15 lbs

• 10 lbs

• 14.7 lbs

• 2.5 lbs

The weight on a flat table is very heavy. Why doesn't the table get crushed down under the weight?

• Because the table is stronger than the gravity

• Because the weight isn't heavy enough to crush a table

• Because air pressure only pushes in one direction

• Because air pressure pushes upward and on all sides to balance it out.

If you take all of the air out of an aluminum can, the can will crush inward. Why does this occur?

• The can is flimsy and needs air to give it body

• The air pressure on the outside of the can is greater than the pressure on the inside.

• The can will collapse inward if it becomes too hot

• The can will collapse inward if it becomes too cold.

A barometer is used to measure

• atmospheric pressure

• water vapor

• humidity

• temperature

In the troposphere, as you go up in elevation the temperature

• stays the same

• increases

• decreases

• it changes from day to d.ay depending on the weather

In the troposphere, as you go up in elevation the air pressure

• increases

• decreases

• stays the same

• changes, it depends on the weather

What layer of our atmosphere contains the most breathable air?

• stratosphere

• mesosphere

• thermosphere

• troposphere

If you are standing on top of a mountain, why would you feel like you are out of breath more quickly than at sea level?

• Because the air molecules are so packed together, it is hard to breathe

• Because the air is thinner due to the molecules being so spread out.

• Because there is more nitrogen in the air than oxygen

• The ozone layer makes it hard to breathe on a mountain.

In the troposphere, for every kilometer you go up in altitude, the temperature drops

• by about 6.4 degrees

• by about 2.5 degrees

• by about 1.9 degrees

• by about 10 degrees

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4