Weather and Climate Quiz

The air temperature is 10°C. Which dew point temperature would result in the highest probability of precipitation?

• 8°C

• 6°C

• 0°C

• -4°C

Answer explanation

A dew point of 8°C is closest to the air temperature of 10°C, indicating higher humidity and a greater likelihood of condensation, which leads to precipitation. Lower dew points reduce this probability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which process most directly results in cloud formation?

• condensation

• transpiration

• precipitation

• radiation

Answer explanation

Cloud formation occurs primarily through condensation, where water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid droplets, forming clouds. Other processes like transpiration and precipitation are related but do not directly cause cloud formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which graph best represents the relationship between the moisture-holding capacity (ability to hold moisture) of the atmosphere and atmospheric temperature?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Graph B best illustrates the positive correlation between atmospheric temperature and moisture-holding capacity, showing that as temperature increases, the ability of the atmosphere to hold moisture also increases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Refer to the diagram below, representing a part of the water cycle, for question 4. Which statement best describes the air at point D?

• Its relative humidity is 0%.

• air pressure is the same as at B

• air temperature equals dewpoint temperature.

• the air is not saturated.

Answer explanation

At point D, the air temperature equals the dewpoint temperature, indicating that the air is saturated. This means the correct choice is that air temperature equals dewpoint temperature, as saturation occurs at this point.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

As the amount of moisture in the air increases, the density of the air will

• decrease

• increase

• remain the same

Answer explanation

As moisture increases, water vapor replaces heavier nitrogen and oxygen in the air. This lighter water vapor decreases the overall density of the air, making the correct answer 'decrease'.

The incomplete flowchart below shows some of the changes that occur in warm air as it rises to form a cloud. Which statement should be placed in the empty box to accurately complete the flowchart?

• The air warms as it expands.

• The air cools until it reaches the dewpoint.

• The air’s relative humidity decreases to zero.

• The air enters the thermosphere.

Answer explanation

As warm air rises, it cools due to lower pressure at higher altitudes. This cooling continues until the air reaches the dewpoint, where condensation occurs and clouds form. Thus, the correct statement is: 'The air cools until it reaches the dewpoint.'

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The primary reason that clouds rarely form in the stratosphere is that

• no condensation nuclei are present in the stratosphere

• very little water vapor is present in the stratosphere

• ozone prevents the formation of clouds

• the temperature is too high for clouds to form

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that very little water vapor is present in the stratosphere. Clouds require sufficient moisture to form, and the stratosphere has a low concentration of water vapor, making cloud formation rare.

At which dewpoint temperature would the amount of water vapor in the air be greatest?

• 10°C

• 0°C

• 20°C

• 18°C

Answer explanation

The dewpoint temperature indicates the maximum amount of water vapor air can hold. At 20°C, the air can hold more water vapor than at lower temperatures like 10°C, 0°C, or 18°C, making 20°C the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

A parcel of air has a dry-bulb temperature of 10°C and a wet-bulb temperature of 8°C. What is the dewpoint?

• 4°C

• 6°C

• 26°C

• 2°C

Answer explanation

To find the dewpoint, we can use the relationship between dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures. Given the dry-bulb temperature of 10°C and wet-bulb temperature of 8°C, the dewpoint is calculated to be 6°C.

A student used a sling psychrometer to measure the humidity of the air. If the relative humidity was 76% and the dry-bulb temperature was 10°C, what was the wet-bulb temperature?

• 3°C

• 5°C

• 8°C

• 2°C

Answer explanation

To find the wet-bulb temperature, we use the psychrometric chart or formulas. With a dry-bulb temperature of 10°C and relative humidity of 76%, the wet-bulb temperature is calculated to be 8°C, making it the correct answer.