During the process of adiabatic cooling, the temperature decreases because the air has:
A) lost heat to the colder air at higher altitudes.
B) expanded to a larger volume.
C) lost some of its water vapor.
D) emitted infrared radiation.
E) been compressed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adiabatic cooling occurs when air rises and expands due to decreasing atmospheric pressure, which leads to a decrease in temperature. The air does not exchange heat with its surroundings or with colder air at higher altitudes, and it does not emit infrared radiation. The amount of water vapor in the air may or may not change during adiabatic cooling, but this is not the primary cause of the temperature decrease. The air is not being compressed, but rather it is expanding, which is a key factor in adiabatic cooling. Therefore, the best choice is B, as the temperature decrease is due to the expansion of the air.

During the Process of Adiabatic Cooling, the Temperature Decreases Because