Atmosphere Flashcards
1
Q
Define atmosphere.
A
The thin envelope of gases surrounding the Earth. It is highly compressible and density decreases rapidly with height.
2
Q
Define air.
A
A mechanical mixture of gasses and aerosols.
3
Q
Define aerosols.
A
Aerosols (particulate matter) are tiny particles of solid (a smoke) or liquid (an aerosol) suspended in a gas.
4
Q
Examples of uniform gases.
A
Nitrogen (N₂) 78%
Oxygen (O₂) 21%
Argon (Ar) 1%
Trace gasses such as Neon, Helium, Methane
5
Q
Examples of variable gases.
A
Water vapor (H₂O), ozone (O₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂)
6
Q
Examples of solid aerosols.
A
Ice, salt crystals, soil particles, volcanic dust
7
Q
Examples of condensation nuclei aerosols.
A
Water droplets (cloud, fog)
