Layers of the Atmosphere

What is the outermost layer of the atmosphere?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

The outermost layer of the atmosphere is the Exosphere. It is where the atmosphere transitions into outer space, lying above the Thermosphere and characterized by extremely thin air.

Which layer of the atmosphere is known for reflecting radio waves back to Earth?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The mesosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that reflects radio waves back to Earth, making it crucial for radio communication. The other layers do not have this reflective property.

The (a)   is the hottest layer of the atmosphere where auroras occur.

• Thermosphere

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

Answer explanation

The thermosphere is the hottest layer of the atmosphere, reaching temperatures up to 2,500°C. It is also where auroras occur, caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field.

What percentage of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen?

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Answer explanation

Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas. This high percentage is crucial for various biological and chemical processes in the environment.

The stratosphere protects living things from harmful radiation by:

• absorbing ultraviolet radiation

• reflecting visible light

• trapping infrared radiation

• emitting gamma rays

Answer explanation

The stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation, which protects living organisms from its harmful effects. This is crucial for maintaining life on Earth, as UV radiation can cause skin cancer and other health issues.

The troposphere is significant in terms of weather because:

• it contains the ozone layer.

• it is where most weather phenomena occur.

• it is the hottest layer of the atmosphere.

• it is the outermost layer of the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

The troposphere is significant for weather because it is where most weather phenomena occur, including clouds, rain, and storms, making it the layer of the atmosphere directly involved in our daily weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the composition of the atmosphere in terms of gases?

• 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 0.9% Argon, 0.1% Other

• 70% Nitrogen, 29% Oxygen, 0.5% Argon, 0.5% Other

• 80% Nitrogen, 19% Oxygen, 0.5% Argon, 0.5% Other

• 75% Nitrogen, 24% Oxygen, 0.5% Argon, 0.5% Other

Answer explanation

The atmosphere is primarily composed of 78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen, with Argon at 0.9% and other gases making up 0.1%. This matches the correct choice, highlighting the accurate proportions of these gases.

In which layer do satellites orbit?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

Satellites orbit in the exosphere, the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where they can maintain stable orbits due to minimal atmospheric drag.

Which layer of the atmosphere is known for reflecting radio waves back to Earth?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The mesosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that reflects radio waves back to Earth, making it crucial for radio communication. The other layers do not have this reflective property.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is the coldest layer of the atmosphere?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, with temperatures decreasing with altitude, reaching as low as -90°C. In contrast, the troposphere and stratosphere are warmer, while the thermosphere is much hotter.