Unit 4: The Atmosphere Study Guide (Enviromental Science)

How did Earth's early atmosphere form?

• Through volcanic eruptions

• By photosynthesis

• From ocean evaporation

• Via meteor impacts

Answer explanation

Earth's early atmosphere formed primarily through volcanic eruptions, which released gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. This process was crucial in creating the conditions for the atmosphere as we know it.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

What gas was missing in Earth's early atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Helium

Answer explanation

In Earth's early atmosphere, oxygen was virtually absent. It was produced later by photosynthetic organisms, making it the missing gas compared to today's atmosphere, which is rich in oxygen.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

All of the following prevent air pollution EXCEPT:

• Using water to generate energy

• Burning trash

• Walking instead of using cars, trucks or buses

• Use solar energy for power

Answer explanation

Burning trash releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution. In contrast, using water for energy, walking, and solar energy are all methods that help reduce air pollution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?

• The Sun

• Wind

• Geothermal

• Fossil fuels

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy for the Earth is the Sun. It provides the light and heat necessary for life, driving weather patterns and photosynthesis, while other sources like wind and fossil fuels are derived from solar energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What percentage of the Sun's energy reaches the Earth surface?

• 50%

• 70%

• 30%

• 100%

Answer explanation

About 50% of the Sun's energy that reaches the Earth is absorbed by the surface. The rest is reflected or absorbed by the atmosphere, making 50% the correct choice.

List the layers of Earth’s present atmosphere in order, starting at the Earth’s surface.

• Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere

• Stratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere

• Mesosphere, Troposphere, Stratosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere

• Thermosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere, Exosphere

Answer explanation

The correct order of Earth's atmosphere layers, starting from the surface, is Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere. This sequence reflects how the atmosphere is structured vertically.

Earth’s atmosphere is divided into layers based on ____________.

• Temperature

• Pressure

• Density

• Humidity

Answer explanation

Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers primarily based on temperature. As altitude increases, temperature changes, leading to distinct layers such as the troposphere and stratosphere.

Hydropower uses water instead of fossil fuels to generate energy. Water is a better choice because it is a ____________ resource and does not add ____________ gas to the atmosphere.

• Nonrenewable, methane

• Renewable, carbon dioxide

• Nonrenewable, oxygen

• Renewable, sulfur dioxide

• Renewable, nitrogen

Answer explanation

Water is a renewable resource, meaning it can be replenished naturally. Unlike fossil fuels, hydropower does not emit carbon dioxide, making it a cleaner energy source. Thus, the correct choice is 'Renewable, carbon dioxide'.

Name the layer based on the description: Weather occurs here.

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather phenomena such as clouds, rain, and storms occur. This makes it the correct answer, as the other layers do not support weather activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Name the layer based on the description: Contains the ozone layer.

• Stratosphere

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The stratosphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere that contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. This makes it the correct answer to the question.