1.
Which of the following would be the most abundant atmospheric component?
Correct Answer
C. Nitrogen
Explanation
Nitrogen would be the most abundant atmospheric component because it makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon are present in much smaller quantities.
2.
When scientists issue an alert about harmful levels of high ozone, what level of the atmosphere are they concerned about?
Correct Answer
B. StratospHere
Explanation
Scientists are concerned about the stratosphere when issuing an alert about harmful levels of high ozone. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere. It contains the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. When ozone levels in the stratosphere are high, it can lead to negative effects such as increased risk of skin cancer and damage to ecosystems. Therefore, scientists closely monitor and issue alerts to protect human health and the environment.
3.
Which of the following statements would be FALSE?
Correct Answer
B. The Earth's atmospHere does not change
Explanation
The given statement that "The Earth's atmosphere does not change" would be false. This is because the Earth's atmosphere is constantly changing due to various natural processes such as volcanic activity, weather patterns, and the carbon cycle. Additionally, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have also led to significant changes in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly in terms of increased greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Living things, including humans, must adapt to these changes in order to survive and thrive in the Earth's ever-changing atmosphere.
4.
Scientists from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) are concerned about air quality. Which substance that is found to be present in the atmosphere, would provide evidence of poor air quality?
Correct Answer
D. CFC's
Explanation
CFC's (Chlorofluorocarbons) would provide evidence of poor air quality because they are synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and solvents. CFC's are known to deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Their presence in the atmosphere indicates a high level of pollution and poor air quality.
5.
Why does the troposphere experience the greatest amount of atmospheric pressure compared to the other atmospheric layers?
Correct Answer
C. It contains a high concentration of gas particles
Explanation
The troposphere experiences the greatest amount of atmospheric pressure compared to the other atmospheric layers because it contains a high concentration of gas particles. The weight of the gas molecules above exerts pressure on the gas molecules below, and since the troposphere is closest to the Earth's surface, it contains the highest concentration of gas particles. This leads to a higher density of molecules and, consequently, a higher atmospheric pressure in the troposphere.
6.
Which of the following is the only list representing natural components of the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
B. Pollen, oxygen, carbon dioxide
Explanation
The correct answer is pollen, oxygen, carbon dioxide. Pollen is a natural component of the atmosphere, as it is released by plants for reproduction. Oxygen is also a natural component, as it is produced by plants through photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is naturally present in the atmosphere and is essential for plant growth. Dust, argon, smog, sulfuric acid are not natural components of the atmosphere, as they are either pollutants or man-made substances.
7.
What is the relationship between altitude and air density within the Earth's atmosphere?
Correct Answer
A. As altitude increases, air density decreases
Explanation
As altitude increases, the air density decreases because the higher you go in the Earth's atmosphere, the less air there is above you. This means that there are fewer air molecules per unit volume, leading to a decrease in air density.
8.
Which layer of the atmosphere is best described by the following:
layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs, has the highest air pressure and density
Correct Answer
A. TropospHere
Explanation
The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs and has the highest air pressure and density. It is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 10-15 kilometers. In this layer, temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude. It is where most of the Earth's weather phenomena, such as clouds, storms, and precipitation, take place. The troposphere is also the layer where humans and other living organisms reside, and it plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
9.
Which layer of the atmosphere fits the description below:
sits on the edge of space, lowest air pressure and density
Correct Answer
D. ExospHere
Explanation
The exosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that sits on the edge of space and has the lowest air pressure and density. It is the outermost layer of the atmosphere and extends from about 500 kilometers above the Earth's surface to the edge of space. In this layer, the few gas molecules that are present are very spread out, resulting in extremely low air pressure and density.
10.
Why does the troposphere experience the greatest amount of atmospheric pressure compared to the other atmospheric layers?
Correct Answer
C. It contains a high concentration of gas particles
Explanation
The troposphere experiences the greatest amount of atmospheric pressure compared to the other atmospheric layers because it contains a high concentration of gas particles. The weight of the air above the troposphere pushes down on the gas particles in the lower atmosphere, leading to higher pressure. This layer is where weather occurs and where most of the Earth's air mass is located, resulting in a higher concentration of gas particles and therefore higher atmospheric pressure.
11.
What's the name of the lower atmosphere that contains the greenhouse gases?
Correct Answer
B. TropospHere
Explanation
The correct answer is Troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 10-15 kilometers. It is where weather occurs and contains the majority of Earth's greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
12.
What do greenhouse gases do in our atmosphere?
Correct Answer
A. These gases absorb the sun heat & emits radiant energy
Explanation
Greenhouse gases in our atmosphere absorb the heat from the sun and then emit radiant energy. This process is known as the greenhouse effect. The absorption of heat by these gases helps to warm the Earth's surface and atmosphere, contributing to the overall increase in the Earth's temperature.