Unit 3 - Lesson 1 - The Atmosphere

An astronomer studying planets outside our solar system has analyzed the atmospheres of four planets. Which of these planets' atmospheres would be most able to support a colony of humans?

• Planet A: 76% Nitrogen, 23% oxygen, 1% other gases

• Planet B: 82% Nitrogen, 11% Oxygen, 7% other gases

• Planet C: 78% Nitrogen, 1% Oxygen, 21% other gases

• Planet D: 27% Nitrogen, 3% Oxygen, 70% other gases

Ginny enjoys mountain climbing. Today, she is climbing Mt. Sheridan, which is the tallest mountain she's ever climbed. When Ginny makes it to the top of the mountain, she notices that it is more difficult to catch her breath. At higher elevations, why is it harder for Ginny to breathe?

• At higher altitudes, the air is very cold.

• At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower and less dense.

• At higher altitudes, the air contains more Nitrogen.

• At higher altitudes, the air contains more carbon dioxide.

As altitude increases, what happens to the pressure of the air?

• the air pressure increases.

• the air pressure decreases.

• the air pressure stays the same.

• The air pressure increases at first, and then it decreases.

The atmosphere is divided into four layers (+1). Which layer constitutes most the total mass of the atmosphere?

• the mesosphere

• the stratsphere

• the thermosphere

• the troposphere

The names and molecular structures of four components of the atmosphere are shown in the following figures. Each constitutes a different percentage of Earth's atmosphere. Which of the four can trap the greatest amount of heat?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

The gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere are commonly referred to as air. Approximately what percentage of air is made up of gases other than Nitrogen and Oxygen?

• 1%

• 11%

• 21%

• 99%

The atmosphere is divided into four layers, the mesosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, and stratosphere. Each layer has unique physical properties. Which of the following statements about the stratosphere is true?

• Weather happens in the stratosphere.

• There are no winds in the stratosphere.

• The stratosphere is below the troposphere.

• The stratosphere is warmer at the top than at the bottom.

Look at the image of a greenhouse. A greenhouse is a building where plants are grown and cultivated. Because a greenhouse traps some of the incoming solar radiation, the air inside is generally warmer than the air outside. Which gas in Earth's atmosphere acts like this greenhouse?

• argon

• carbon dioxide

• nitrogen

• oxygen

The gases that make up Earth's atmosphere are commonly referred to as air. Air consists of major gases, trace gases, water, and small particles. What type of substance is air?

• a mixture

• a molecule

• an element

• a compound

The atmosphere is an important part of what makes Earth livable. Refer to the circle graph to answer this question. The graph shows the relative abundance of gases in Earth's atmosphere. Which gas corresponds to label A in the figure?

• argon

• carbon dioxide

• nitrogen

• oxygen