Atmosphere Questions

An atmosphere is a blanket of gases that surrounds the Earth. The atmosphere of the Earth is divided into four layers: troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Thermosphere. These layers are separated based on the temperature.

Read more: Layers of the atmosphere

• The atmosphere helps to retain the sun’s heat and aids in preventing heat from escaping back into space.
• The atmosphere helps in safeguarding life from harmful radiation.
• The atmosphere plays a part in conserving the Earth’s water cycle.
• The atmosphere helps to keep the climate on Earth moderate.

It is because of the atmosphere we can breathe and live on Earth. The atmosphere of Earth is composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.9%), carbon dioxide (0.04%), and trace gases. The atmospheres of the planets Venus and Mars consist of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, argon, and oxygen. The process of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trapping the Sun’s heat is known as the greenhouse effect. The lowest layer of the atmosphere is known as the troposphere. The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that features the ozone layer. The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet light and helps in protecting the earth. The troposphere features 75% of the atmosphere’s mass, and it is one of the main layers of the atmosphere responsible for the changes in weather conditions.

Air is colourless, odourless, occupies space, exerts pressure, and can expand. The atmosphere’s density gradually decreases outward due to gravitational attraction. Heating of the earth’s surface occurs due to radiation, conduction, and convection.

Read more: Composition of the air.

Important Atmosphere Questions with Answers

1. Define thermosphere.

The thermosphere is the region of the atmosphere that lies above the mesosphere. In this layer, the temperature increases as you go higher up. The temperature increases due to the absorption of powerful radiations like X-rays and UV rays from the sun.

2. The lowest layer of the atmosphere is _____

1. Stratosphere
2. Mesosphere
3. Ionosphere
4. Troposphere

Answer: d) Troposphere

Explanation: Troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere.

3. State true or false: Atmosphere is not responsible for life on the Earth.

1. TRUE
2. FALSE

Answer: b) FALSE

Explanation: Atmosphere is one of the critical reasons for life on the Earth.

4. Fill in the blanks: Meteors burn in this layer _____

1. Stratosphere
2. Mesosphere
3. Ionosphere
4. Troposphere

Answer: b) Mesosphere

Explanation: Mesosphere has a temperature in the range of -2 to -92, and it is the layer in which the meteors burn.

5. Choose YES or No: Traces of noble gases are present in the atmosphere.

1. YES
2. NO

Answer: a) YES

Explanation: The atmosphere consists of gases like carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, along with the traces of nitrous oxide, ozone, helium, hydrogen, neon, and other noble gases.

6. The jet planes fly in the lower ______

1. Stratosphere
2. Mesosphere
3. Ionosphere
4. Troposphere

Answer: a) Stratosphere

Explanation: Since less turbulence is seen than other layers of the atmosphere, jet planes fly in this region (lower stratosphere).

7. Significant quantity of sulfur is released into the atmosphere through _____

1. Storm
2. Burning of wood
3. Burning of fossil fuels
4. lightning

Answer: c) Burning of fossil fuels.

Explanation: Among the following options burning fossil fuels releases enormous amounts of sulfur.

8. Choose YES or NO: Air does not occupy space.

1. YES
2. NO

Answer: b) NO

Explanation: Air occupies space since air has mass.

9. Air pressure is measured using which of the following device?

1. Thermometer
2. Compass
3. Solenoid
4. Barometer

Answer: d) Barometer

Explanation: A barometer is an instrument mainly used to calculate atmospheric pressure.

10. Is the atmosphere seen on the planet mars?

Yes, the atmosphere is seen on the planet Mars. The composition of the atmosphere varies from that of the Earth.

Practice Questions

1. What are the layers of the atmosphere?
2. Explain the greenhouse effect.
3. List the properties of the air.
4. What are the gases present in the air?
5. Which is the coldest layer of the atmosphere?

Watch the video below to understand the composition of air and its properties in detail.