Earth's Atmosphere

Question 1

Three reasons why the atmosphere is important

Answer 1

1. supports life by protecting it from electromagnetic radiation
2. creates and controls weather
3. provides gases that plants/animals need to breathe

Question 2

composition of atmosphere–

Answer 2

nitrogen=78%, oxygen=21%, argon=90%, CO2=.03%, other gas traces=.17%

Question 3

what is atmospheric pressure?

Answer 3

pressure exerted on earth by atmosphere

Question 4

As altitude _____, pressure _____.

Answer 4

increases, decreases

Question 5

what is atmospheric pressure?

Answer 5

pressure exerted on earth by atmosphere

Question 6

As altitude _____, density _____.

Answer 6

decreases, decreases

Question 7

Why does earth’s unique atmosphere exist?

Answer 7

there is right mass and distance between the Sun

Question 8

at sea level, what is the weight of the column of air above a person?

Answer 8

2200 Ibs

Question 9

what do we call an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure

Answer 9

a barometer

Question 10

Troposphere

Answer 10

Lowest layer, weather and wind occurs here

Question 11

stratosphere

Answer 11

Very dry, with little water

Question 12

mesosphere

Answer 12

Coldest layer, in the middle. Meteoroids usually burn up in this layer

Question 13

thermosphere

Answer 13

Very hot, but feels cold, known for the Aurora Borealis

Question 14

exosphere

Answer 14

Air is very thin

Question 15

Radiation

Answer 15

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic

Question 16

Conduction

Answer 16

The transfer of energy through contact with neighboring molecules

Question 17

Convection

Answer 17

The transfer of energy by movement of fluids

Question 18

true or false: high always chases low

Answer 18

true

Question 19

How is the atmosphere heated?

Answer 19

Solar radiation

Question 20

what is wind?

Answer 20

The horizontal movement of air caused by unequal heating of the Earth