13.2 Properties of the Atmosphere

Question 1

Absolute temperature

Answer 1

A temperature scale, such as the kelvin scale, that has its zero point at absolute zero (0 kelvins or -273° C), the coldest temperature that is theoretically possible.

Question 2

Anemometer

Answer 2

A weather instrument used to measure wind speed.

Question 3

Atmospheric pressure

Answer 3

The pressure (force per unit area) exerted by the mass of the atmosphere above a given point.

Question 4

Barometer

Answer 4

A weather instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

Question 5

Dew point

Answer 5

The temperature at which air must be cooled to become saturated with water vapor, meaning that it can longer hold additional water vapor.

Question 6

Heat

Answer 6

Energy in transit from a warm object to a cooler object.

Question 7

Heat index

Answer 7

An apparent temperature value calculated to express what temperature hot, humid air actually feels like.

Question 8

Humidity

Answer 8

The amount of water vapor in the air.

Question 9

Precipitation

Answer 9

Any form of water, whether liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches Earth’s surface.

Question 10

Radiosonde

Answer 10

A box of weather instruments carried by a weather balloon.

Question 11

Relative humidity

Answer 11

The ratio of how much water vapor is in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor the air could hold at that temperature.

Question 12

Sea breeze

Answer 12

A local wind that blows from the ocean onto land during the day.

Question 13

Temperature

Answer 13

A measure of the average speed of molecules or atoms in a substance. The faster particles in a substance move or vibrate, the higher the temperature.

Question 14

Wind-chill factor

Answer 14

An apparent temperature value calculated to indicate the cooling effect of wind.