Planetary atmospheres

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

a layer of gas surrounding a world

Mixture of gases composed of atoms and molecules

Question 2

Atmosphere’s role

Answer 2

Create pressure
Absorb and scatter light.
Create wind and weather and regulate long-term climate change
Warm planetary surfaces through the greenhouse effect

Question 3

Gravity vs. Temperature

Answer 3

effects the Escape velocity a molecule needs

Higher Temp = Higher Velocity

Question 4

Escape velocity

Answer 4

A molecule can escape the gravitational pull of the
planet if it id traveling faster than escape velocity
Escape velocity depends on Mass of planet and Radius of planet

Question 5

Gas: equation of state

Answer 5

Pressure ~ Number density × Temperature

Question 6

Atmospheric pressure

Answer 6

Collisions of molecules and atoms in our atmosphere create

Earth 1 bar = 15 pounds per square inch

Question 7

Basic energy budget

Answer 7

Planet’s distance vs. Planet’s albedo (reflectivity)

Question 8

Planet’s distance

Answer 8

Planets closer to the Sun receive a greater intensity of incoming sunlight

Question 9

Planet’s albedo

Answer 9

Planet’s composition/color determine how much of the incoming sunlight is absorbed or reflected by the planet