Weather Predictions Standards Unwrapped 7.E.1.4

What is the definition of weather?

• The whole mass of air surrounding Earth

• The day-to-day state of the atmosphere

• Average weather conditions for a region year after year

• The leading edge of a cooler air mass

Answer explanation

Weather refers to the day-to-day state of the atmosphere, which includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and other atmospheric conditions. It is distinct from climate, which represents average weather conditions over a longer period. The correct choice highlights the daily fluctuations in atmospheric conditions, setting it apart from the other options.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the definition of climate?

• The whole mass of air surrounding Earth

• The day-to-day state of the atmosphere

• Average weather conditions for a region year after year

• The leading edge of a cooler air mass

Answer explanation

Climate refers to the average weather conditions for a region over an extended period, typically year after year. It is different from weather, which is the day-to-day state of the atmosphere. Climate provides a broader understanding of a region's atmospheric patterns, while weather describes short-term variations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the composition of Earth's atmosphere?

• 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and other trace gases

• 78% oxygen, 21% nitrogen, and other trace gases

• 78% carbon dioxide, 21% oxygen, and other trace gases

• 78% nitrogen, 21% carbon dioxide, and other trace gases

Answer explanation

The composition of Earth's atmosphere consists primarily of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with the remaining 1% made up of trace gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and others. This composition is crucial for supporting life on Earth, as oxygen is essential for respiration and nitrogen plays a vital role in the nitrogen cycle.

What is the purpose of weather forecasting?

• To make accurate predictions of future weather

• To study the composition of Earth's atmosphere

• To track movements of large-scale weather systems

• To measure wind speed and direction

Answer explanation

The purpose of weather forecasting is to make accurate predictions of future weather. This helps people plan their activities, prepare for potential hazards, and make informed decisions. While studying the atmosphere, tracking weather systems, and measuring wind speed and direction are important aspects of meteorology, the primary goal of forecasting is to predict future weather conditions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What technology is used to track movements of large-scale weather systems?

• Computers

• Satellite images

• Radars

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All of the above technologies are used to track movements of large-scale weather systems. Computers process and analyze data, satellite images provide a visual representation of weather patterns, and radars detect precipitation and atmospheric conditions. Together, these tools help meteorologists monitor and predict weather events.

How can wind direction be observed?

• By looking at flags or blowing dust

• By measuring air temperature

• By observing cloud shapes

• By using satellite images

Answer explanation

Wind direction can be observed by looking at flags or blowing dust, as they indicate the direction from which the wind is blowing. Air temperature, cloud shapes, and satellite images do not provide information about wind direction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is temperature a measure of?

• The energy of molecules in the air

• The amount of water vapor in the air

• The weight of the atmosphere per unit area

• The movement of air masses

Answer explanation

Temperature is a measure of the energy of molecules in the air. It indicates the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, which is directly related to their movement and speed. The other options, such as water vapor, atmospheric weight, and air mass movement, are not directly related to temperature measurement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is relative humidity?

• The actual amount of water vapor in the air

• The maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature

• The comparison of air pressure at different locations

• The movement of air masses

Answer explanation

Relative humidity is the ratio of the actual amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a specific temperature. It is expressed as a percentage and indicates how close the air is to being saturated with water vapor. The correct choice highlights the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What causes Earth's winds and weather changes?

• Differences in air pressure

• The energy of molecules in the air

• The movement of air masses

• The weight of the atmosphere per unit area

Answer explanation

Earth's winds and weather changes are primarily caused by differences in air pressure. These differences result from the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, leading to the movement of air masses. The energy of molecules in the air and the weight of the atmosphere per unit area also play roles, but the main driving force is the variation in air pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What are the three main cloud types?

• Cirrus, Stratus, and Cumulus

• Nimbus, Altostratus, and Stratocumulus

• Cirrostratus, Altocumulus, and Cumulonimbus

• Cirrocumulus, Nimbostratus, and Stratocumulus

Answer explanation

The three main cloud types are Cirrus, Stratus, and Cumulus. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds found at high altitudes. Stratus clouds are low, flat, and gray, often covering the entire sky. Cumulus clouds are puffy, cotton-like clouds with flat bases. The other options include various subtypes of clouds, but the main types are Cirrus, Stratus, and Cumulus.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4