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Physics > The Atmosphere > Flashcards

The Atmosphere Flashcards

1
Q

Why is a discussion of the atmosphere important for aviation?

A

It affects flight success and preparation of flight plans.

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2
Q

Who developed the barometer, and what does it measure?

A

Pascal and Torricelli; it measures atmospheric pressure.

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3
Q

What happens to air density as altitude increases?

A

Density diminishes rapidly with altitude.

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4
Q

What is the composition of the atmosphere?

A

A mixture of gases and foreign matter like pollen, dust, and bacteria.

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5
Q

At what altitude is air too thin to support respiration?

A

Six miles up.

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6
Q

What is the tropopause?

A

The point in the atmosphere where the decrease in temperature with altitude ceases.

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7
Q

Name the four layers of the atmosphere.

A
  • Troposphere
  • Stratosphere
  • Ionosphere
  • Exosphere
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8
Q

What characterizes the troposphere?

A

Large changes in temperature and humidity; turbulent conditions.

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9
Q

What is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level?

A

14.7 pounds per square inch (14.7 psi).

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10
Q

How does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

A

It decreases with increased altitude.

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11
Q

What is the function of a mercury barometer?

A

It measures atmospheric pressure by balancing mercury against air pressure.

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12
Q

What is density altitude?

A

The altitude at which the air density is the same as standard density for that altitude.

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13
Q

Fill in the blank: Absolute humidity is the actual amount of ______ in a mixture of air and water.

A

water vapor.

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14
Q

What defines relative humidity?

A

The ratio of actual water vapor present to the amount needed for saturation.

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15
Q

What is the dew point?

A

The temperature at which humid air becomes saturated.

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16
Q

What is vapor pressure?

A

The portion of atmospheric pressure exerted by moisture in the air.

17
Q

What is the U.S. Standard Atmosphere used for?

A

It provides standard reference conditions for aircraft performance calculations.

18
Q

What are the standard sea level conditions for pressure in the U.S. Standard Atmosphere?

A

Pressure at 0 altitude (P0) = 29.92 ‘Hg.

19
Q

What happens to temperature as altitude increases up to about 7 miles?

A

It gets steadily colder.

20
Q

What occurs in the ionosphere?

A

Presence of ions and free electrons; electrical phenomena.

21
Q

How does humidity affect aircraft performance during takeoff?

A

It reduces allowable takeoff gross weight and may require increased manifold pressure.

22
Q

What is the temperature range in the exosphere?

A

Temperature is fairly constant at 2,500° Kelvin.

23
Q

What is a significant characteristic of the stratosphere?

A

It extends from the upper limits of the troposphere to an average altitude of 60 miles.

24
Q

True or False: The atmosphere’s composition remains constant from sea level to its highest levels.

A

False.

25
Q

What is the effect of fog on engine performance?

A

It can decrease horsepower output and prevent detonation.

26
Q

What happens to oxygen molecules in the atmosphere at 50 to 65 miles altitude?

A

They begin to break down under solar radiation.

27
Q

What is the significance of water vapor in the atmosphere?

A

It affects humidity, aircraft performance, and combustion efficiency.

28
Q

What is the U.S. Standard Atmosphere?

A

A set group of standards used as a point of reference for average atmospheric conditions in the U.S.

29
Q

At what latitude is the standard atmosphere approximated?

A

40° latitude

30
Q

What is the pressure at sea level (0 altitude) in the U.S. Standard Atmosphere?

A

29.92 “Hg

31
Q

What is the temperature at sea level (0 altitude) in the U.S. Standard Atmosphere?

A

15 °C or 59 °F

32
Q

What is the gravity at sea level (0 altitude) in the U.S. Standard Atmosphere?

A

32.174 fps/s

33
Q

True or False: The U.S. Standard Atmosphere is in agreement with the ICAO Standard Atmosphere over their common altitude range.

A

True

34
Q

What organization has adopted the ICAO Standard Atmosphere as standard?

A

Most of the principal nations of the world

Physics (12 decks)

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