Exploring Earth's Exosphere

What is the name of the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Exosphere

At approximately what altitude does the exosphere start above Earth's surface?

• 100 km (62 miles)

• 700 km (440 miles)

• 1,000 km (620 miles)

• 10,000 km (6,200 miles)

What is the primary composition of the exosphere?

• Nitrogen and oxygen

• Hydrogen and helium

• Carbon dioxide and methane

• Argon and neon

Why doesn't the exosphere feel hot despite high temperatures?

• The particles are moving slowly.

• The particles are very close together.

• The particles are so spread out.

• The exosphere is made of cold gases.

What is the approximate upper limit of the exosphere?

• 1,000 km (620 miles)

• 5,000 km (3,100 miles)

• 10,000 km (6,200 miles)

• 20,000 km (12,400 miles)

What happens to particles in the exosphere?

• They collide frequently.

• They are trapped by Earth's gravity.

• They can escape into outer space.

• They form clouds.

Why do most Earth satellites and spacecraft orbit in the exosphere?

• High atmospheric pressure

• Low drag

• High density of particles

• Strong magnetic fields

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which of the following gases is found in trace amounts in the exosphere?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Argon

• Neon

How far can particles in the exosphere travel without colliding?

• A few meters

• A few kilometers

• Hundreds of kilometers

• Thousands of kilometers

What role does the exosphere play in relation to space?

• It acts as a barrier to space.

• It acts as a transition to space.

• It prevents particles from escaping.

• It increases atmospheric pressure.