Earth's Atmosphere/Heat Transfer Flashcards
(20 cards)
Earth’s atmosphere makes life possible by:
Containing gases needed to live, trapping energy from the sun which allows water to exist as a liquid, blocking dangerous radiation, and burning up meteorites.
What is an atmosphere?
Layers of gases that surround the planet.
What is the main composition of the atmosphere?
78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen
The other 1% includes…
Water vapor, particles of dust, smoke, salt, and other chemicals.
Air has…
Mass, density, and pressure.
Density=
Mass/volume
The denser the air…
The greater the mass and volume.
The closer you are to sea level…
The greater the air pressure and density due to gravity.
Air pressure is measured by a….
Barometer
The four main layers of the atmosphere are classified by…
Changes in temperature.
Troposphere:
Where weather occurs and where airplanes fly.
Stratosphere:
Where ozone, a three atom form of oxygen absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
Mesosphere:
Where meteorites burn up (lowest temp.)
Thermosphere:
Extends into space.
Ionosphere:
Aurora borealis occurs here
Exosphere:
Where satellites are.
What is heat transfer?
When energy is transferred from a hotter object to a cooler one (three types).
Radiation
The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves (which can travel through space and some materials)
Conduction
The transfer of heat from one substance to another substance when molecules collide (direct contact)
Convection
The transfer of heat due to movement caused by density differences in like fluids such as water or air.
