Weather Patterns

What happens to molecules in warm air compared to cold air?

• They move slower

• They move faster

• They change color

• They become solid

Answer explanation

In warm air, molecules have more energy and move faster compared to cold air, where they have less energy and move slower. This increased movement in warm air leads to higher temperatures and changes in pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What does the term "barometric pressure" mean?

• Wind speed

• Air pressure

• Humidity level

• Temperature

Answer explanation

Barometric pressure refers to the weight of the air above a given point, which is essentially air pressure. It is a key factor in weather patterns and is measured using a barometer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What instrument measures wind speed?

• Barometer

• Psychrometer

• Anemometer

• Hygrometer

Answer explanation

An anemometer is the instrument specifically designed to measure wind speed. In contrast, a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a psychrometer measures humidity, and a hygrometer measures moisture in the air.

What is the term for tiny drops of a liquid that float in the air?

• Precipitation

• Vapor

• Evaporation

• Condensation

Answer explanation

The term 'vapor' refers to tiny drops of liquid that are suspended in the air, often seen as mist or fog. In contrast, 'precipitation' refers to water falling from the sky, 'evaporation' is the process of liquid turning into gas, and 'condensation' is the opposite.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What are the types of precipitation mentioned in the text?

• Rain, snow, sleet, hail

• Rain, fog, mist, dew

• Snow, frost, drizzle, fog

• Hail, mist, fog, rain

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Rain, snow, sleet, hail' as these are all types of precipitation. The other options include terms that do not classify as precipitation, such as fog and mist.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the main factor that classifies air masses?

• Speed and direction

• Temperature and moisture characteristics

• Size and shape

• Altitude and pressure

Answer explanation

Air masses are classified primarily by their temperature and moisture characteristics, which determine their behavior and effects on weather patterns. This makes 'Temperature and moisture characteristics' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Where do continental tropical air masses form?

• Over the northern Atlantic Ocean

• In the tropics over dry, desert land

• Over the Gulf of Mexico

• In the eastern Pacific Ocean

Answer explanation

Continental tropical air masses form in the tropics over dry, desert land, where the warm, dry conditions allow for their development. This distinguishes them from other air masses that form over water or more humid regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What type of weather do continental tropical air masses bring?

• Cloudy and rainy

• Snowy and cold

• Clear skies and high temperatures

• Humid and hot

Answer explanation

Continental tropical air masses originate over land in warm regions, bringing clear skies and high temperatures. This is why the correct answer is 'Clear skies and high temperatures', as they are typically dry and warm.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Who developed a new method for forecasting the weather in 1918?

• Albert Einstein

• Jacob Bjerknes

• Isaac Newton

• Nikola Tesla

Answer explanation

Jacob Bjerknes developed a new method for forecasting the weather in 1918, which significantly advanced meteorology by introducing the concept of using mathematical models to predict weather patterns.

What is the common use of the word "front"?

• A boundary between two air masses

• A weather pattern

• A boundary between opposing armies

• A line of defense

Answer explanation

The term 'front' commonly refers to a boundary between opposing armies, especially in military contexts, indicating the line where forces confront each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5