Pressure Systems

What is air pressure?

• The force exerted by the weight of air on a surface

• The speed of wind in the atmosphere

• The temperature of the air

• The humidity level in the atmosphere

Answer explanation

Air pressure is defined as the force exerted by the weight of air on a surface. This is the correct choice, as it directly relates to the concept of air pressure, unlike the other options which refer to different atmospheric properties.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which type of air molecules are closer together?

• Cool air molecules

• Warm air molecules

Answer explanation

Cool air molecules are closer together because they have lower energy and move less vigorously than warm air molecules, which are more spread out due to their higher energy and movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Cool air masses are associated with:

• High pressure

• Low pressure

Answer explanation

Cool air masses are typically associated with high pressure systems. These systems promote stable weather conditions, leading to clear skies and cooler temperatures, unlike low pressure systems which are linked to warmer, unstable air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Warm air masses have (a)   pressure. A) (b)   B) (c)  

• High

• Low

• Medium

Answer explanation

Warm air masses are associated with low pressure because they rise, creating a vacuum that draws in surrounding air. Thus, the correct choice is 'Low' pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Wind is the movement of air from ______ to ______ pressure areas.

• high to low

• low to high

• north to south

• east to west

Answer explanation

Wind moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure due to the difference in air pressure. This movement is driven by the desire to equalize pressure differences, making 'high to low' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the pressure like at the center of a high-pressure system?

Answer explanation

At the center of a high-pressure system, the pressure is typically higher than the surrounding areas. This leads to descending air, resulting in clear skies and stable weather conditions.

In a high-pressure system, what happens to the air at the center?

Answer explanation

In a high-pressure system, the air at the center is generally descending. This leads to clear skies and stable weather conditions, as the sinking air inhibits cloud formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What type of weather is typically associated with high-pressure systems?

Answer explanation

High-pressure systems are typically associated with clear skies and calm weather. They promote sinking air, which inhibits cloud formation, leading to sunny and dry conditions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the pressure like at the center of a low-pressure system?

Answer explanation

At the center of a low-pressure system, the pressure is lower than the surrounding areas. This creates a zone where air rises, leading to cloud formation and potentially stormy weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In a low-pressure system, what happens to the air as it spirals in towards the center?

Answer explanation

In a low-pressure system, as air spirals inward towards the center, it rises and cools, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. This process is crucial for weather patterns associated with low-pressure areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6