Question 1

The atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen molecules.

Accepted Answer

This is a well-known fact about the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. The remaining 1% consists of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and others.

Question 2

CFCs are toxic gases made by people.

Accepted Answer

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) are man-made chemical compounds used primarily for refrigeration, air conditioning, and as propellants in aerosol applications. They are not classified as toxic gases; however, they are harmful to the ozone layer.

Question 3

The height of the equatorial tropopause is roughly 18 kilometers.

Accepted Answer

The height of the equatorial tropopause is approximately 18 kilometers, although it can vary slightly depending on various atmospheric conditions.

Question 4

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. Carbon dioxide is one of the most prevalent greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere, along with methane, water vapor, and others. These gases trap heat from the sun and contribute to global warming and climate change.

Question 5

The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale indicates atmospheric pressure.

Accepted Answer

The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale indicates the level of air pollution and its impact on public health, not atmospheric pressure.

Question 6

The problem with the ozonosphere was known since the 1920s, but wasn't taken seriously until 1974.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The problem with the ozonosphere was known...

Question 7

Particulate matter is an aerosol.

Accepted Answer

Particulate matter is a type of aerosol, consisting of fine solid or liquid particles suspended in air.

Question 8

In the stratosphere air flows mostly horizontally.

Accepted Answer

In the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, air mostly flows horizontally due to the presence of strong jet streams. These jet streams are narrow, fast-moving currents of air that flow in a westerly direction.

Question 9

The higher the molecular density of air, the lower the air pressure.

Accepted Answer

Air pressure increases with an increase in molecular density because more molecules in a given volume mean more collisions with surfaces, leading to higher pressure.

Question 10

On average, the Dead Sea has the highest air pressure on Earth.

Accepted Answer

The Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel, is over 400 meters below sea level which causes higher air pressure due to increased atmospheric density.

Question 11

Aurora australis occurs in the Northern Hemisphere.

Accepted Answer

Aurora australis is actually a natural light display in the Southern Hemisphere, primarily seen in Antarctica and nearby southern regions.

Question 12

The Air Quality Index ranks air quality by its effects on human health.

Accepted Answer

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to rank air quality based on its effects on human health. It takes into account various pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide to inform people about the potential health risks associated with the air they breathe.

Question 13

The environmental lapse rate in the troposphere is 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1,000 meters.

Accepted Answer

The environmental lapse rate in the troposphere is indeed 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1,000 meters. This means that on average, the temperature decreases by 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 meter increase in altitude within the troposphere layer of the atmosphere.

Question 14

The tropopause is higher above Earth's surface at the poles than at the equator.

Accepted Answer

The tropopause is lower above Earth's surface at the poles than at the equator due to differences in temperature and atmospheric heating.

Question 15

Nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere are a type of aerosol.

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere are not considered as aerosols. Aerosols are defined as small solid or liquid particles suspended in a gas, whereas nitrogen molecules are part of the gaseous atmosphere.

Question 16

Northern lights occur in the mesosphere.

Accepted Answer

Northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, occur in the thermosphere.

Question 17

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are gases that occur naturally in the atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

CFCs are not naturally occurring gases in the atmosphere. They are synthetic gases that are primarily used as refrigerants, solvents, and propellants in aerosol sprays.

Question 18

Methane is a greenhouse gas.

Accepted Answer

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere from natural sources like wetlands and livestock, as well as human activities like agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels. It is considered to be more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Question 19

China is among the world leaders in cleaning up its polluted air, even though many Chinese cities have some of the world's worst air quality.

Accepted Answer

Despite still facing challenges in improving air quality in some cities, China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution by implementing stricter regulations, increasing investment in clean energy, and improving public awareness and participation in environmental protection.

Question 20

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.

Accepted Answer

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas which has a 298 times greater potential to cause global warming than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year time horizon. It is released through agricultural practices, including the use of synthetic fertilizers and animal waste.

Quiz 2: Portrait of the Atmosphere