1.
How many layers does Earth's atmosphere have?
Correct Answer
B. 5
Explanation
The Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each layer has distinct characteristics and plays a different role in the Earth's climate and weather patterns. The troposphere is the closest layer to the Earth's surface and contains most of the Earth's weather. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is the layer where meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere. The thermosphere is the layer where the Northern and Southern Lights occur. The exosphere is the outermost layer, where the atmosphere gradually merges with outer space.
2.
What preceded the growth and survival of green plants on Earth?
Correct Answer
B. The formation of an ozone layer
Explanation
The formation of an ozone layer preceded the growth and survival of green plants on Earth. The ozone layer acts as a shield, protecting the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This UV radiation can be damaging to living organisms, including green plants. With the formation of the ozone layer, green plants were able to thrive and survive on Earth as they were protected from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
3.
Within which layer of the atmosphere do you find rain, snow, and clouds?
Correct Answer
A. Troposphere
Explanation
Rain, snow, and clouds are found in the troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 10-15 kilometers. This layer is where weather phenomena occur, including the formation of clouds, precipitation in the form of rain or snow, and various atmospheric processes. The temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere, allowing water vapor to condense and form clouds, leading to the occurrence of rain and snow.
4.
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
Correct Answer
C. Stratosphere
Explanation
The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere. This layer is situated above the troposphere, which is the layer closest to the Earth's surface. The stratosphere is characterized by its higher altitude and contains a high concentration of ozone molecules. These ozone molecules play a crucial role in absorbing and filtering out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, making the stratosphere an important layer for protecting life on Earth.
5.
Where can CFCs be found?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, can be found in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays. These chemicals were commonly used as refrigerants and propellants in these products. However, CFCs are harmful to the ozone layer and contribute to ozone depletion. As a result, their use has been phased out in many countries. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as CFCs can be found in all of these mentioned sources.
6.
How do CFCs destroy ozone?
Correct Answer
D. A chlorine atom from a CFC combines with one oxygen from ozone and leaves a two- atom oxygen molecule.
Explanation
CFCs destroy ozone by a process called ozone depletion. In this process, a chlorine atom from a CFC molecule reacts with one oxygen atom from an ozone molecule. This reaction forms a chlorine oxide molecule and leaves behind a two-atom oxygen molecule. The chlorine oxide molecule can then react with another ozone molecule, leading to the destruction of ozone. This process is repeated multiple times, resulting in the depletion of the ozone layer.
7.
Indoor air can contain very low levels of pollution
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Indoor air can contain very high levels of pollution, not low levels. This is because various sources such as cooking, cleaning products, smoking, and building materials can release pollutants into the air, leading to poor indoor air quality. It is important to properly ventilate and maintain indoor spaces to minimize pollution and ensure a healthy living environment.
8.
What have CFCs done to Earth and its atmosphere?
Correct Answer
D. All of above
Explanation
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) have had multiple negative effects on Earth and its atmosphere. Firstly, they have created a hole in the ozone layer, which is a protective layer that shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Secondly, CFCs have caused more UV radiation to reach Earth, leading to increased risks of skin cancer and other health issues. Lastly, the release of CFCs has contributed to the rise in the number of cancer cases. Therefore, all of the given options are correct, as they accurately describe the detrimental impacts of CFCs on Earth and its atmosphere.
9.
What form of energy transfer heats Earth?
Correct Answer
A. Radiation
Explanation
Radiation is the correct answer because it is the form of energy transfer that heats the Earth. Radiation refers to the emission of electromagnetic waves, including heat, from a source. The Sun emits radiation, which reaches the Earth and warms its surface. This process is known as solar radiation. The heat from the Earth's surface is then transferred to the surrounding air through conduction and convection, but the initial source of heating is radiation.
10.
When did the scientists discovery the thinning of the ozone near the South Pole?
Correct Answer
B. 1980
Explanation
In 1980, scientists discovered the thinning of the ozone near the South Pole. This discovery was significant as it led to further research and understanding of the depletion of the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The thinning of the ozone layer was primarily caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere. This discovery prompted international efforts to reduce the production and use of these substances through the implementation of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.
11.
Ice cores contain air bubbles that have been trapped in the ice for 100’s or 1000’s of years
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Ice cores are cylindrical samples of ice that are drilled from ice sheets or glaciers. These ice cores contain air bubbles that have been trapped within the ice as it formed over hundreds or thousands of years. These air bubbles are valuable because they provide a record of the Earth's past atmosphere, allowing scientists to study changes in greenhouse gas concentrations, climate patterns, and even atmospheric composition. Therefore, the statement that ice cores contain air bubbles trapped for 100's or 1000's of years is true.
12.
Rain or snow that is more acidic than normal precipitation is called acid precipitation.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Acid precipitation refers to rain or snow that has a higher acidity level than normal precipitation. This can occur due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, which release pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These pollutants then react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, resulting in acid precipitation. This phenomenon can have harmful effects on the environment, including damage to forests, lakes, and buildings. Therefore, the given statement that acid precipitation is rain or snow that is more acidic than normal precipitation is true.
13.
What would happen if Earth had no atmosphere?
Correct Answer
B. The days would be hot and the nights would be cold.
Explanation
If Earth had no atmosphere, there would be no air to trap heat from the sun during the day or to insulate the planet at night. As a result, the days would be hot because there would be no atmosphere to block or absorb the sun's rays, causing temperatures to rise significantly. On the other hand, during the night, without the atmosphere to retain heat, the planet would rapidly lose heat, leading to cold temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is that the days would be hot and the nights would be cold.
14.
Which layer protects Earth's life from harmful UV radiation?
Correct Answer
A. Stratosphere
Explanation
The stratosphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere that contains the ozone layer. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation from the sun can cause various health issues, including skin cancer and cataracts. The ozone layer absorbs and filters out most of the UV radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. Therefore, the stratosphere is responsible for shielding the planet and its inhabitants from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
15.
What is an increase in Earth's average surface temperature caused by an increase in greenhouse gases?
Correct Answer
B. Global Warming
Explanation
Global warming refers to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature caused by an increase in greenhouse gases. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in temperatures. This phenomenon has significant implications for the planet, including the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. The term "greenhouse effect" refers to the mechanism by which greenhouse gases trap heat, while "global dimming" refers to the reduction in sunlight reaching the Earth's surface due to pollution, which has a cooling effect.
16.
Air circulation in buildings is often poor
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Air circulation in buildings is often poor due to several factors. One reason is the lack of proper ventilation systems, which can lead to stagnant air and a buildup of pollutants. Additionally, the design and layout of buildings can contribute to poor air circulation. For example, closed-off rooms or narrow hallways can restrict the flow of air. Insufficient air circulation can result in uncomfortable indoor environments, increased humidity levels, and the potential for the spread of airborne contaminants. Therefore, it is true that air circulation in buildings is often poor.
17.
What is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that enters homes from the soil through the basement?
Correct Answer
B. Radon
Explanation
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and radioactive gas that can enter homes from the soil through the basement. It is a naturally occurring gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water. Radon is known to be a leading cause of lung cancer and can accumulate to dangerous levels in indoor spaces. Therefore, it is important to test for radon levels in homes and take necessary measures to mitigate its presence.
18.
What is the cause of ozone depletion
Correct Answer
C. CFC's
Explanation
CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are the cause of ozone depletion. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs break down and release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone molecules, breaking them apart and depleting the ozone layer. This process is known as ozone depletion. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides, as well as carbon dioxide, do not directly cause ozone depletion.
19.
What is the cause of Global Warming?
Correct Answer
B. Carbon Dioxide & Methane
Explanation
The cause of global warming is primarily attributed to the increase in carbon dioxide and methane emissions. These greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures. Carbon dioxide is released through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, while methane is produced by livestock, agriculture, and the extraction of fossil fuels. The accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere creates a greenhouse effect, intensifying the Earth's natural greenhouse effect and causing global warming.
20.
Acid Precipitation, Ozone Depletion and Global Warming are all kinds of Global Changes.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because acid precipitation, ozone depletion, and global warming are all examples of global changes. Acid precipitation refers to the deposition of acidic substances from the atmosphere onto the Earth's surface, causing harm to the environment. Ozone depletion refers to the reduction in the concentration of ozone in the Earth's stratosphere, leading to increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. These three phenomena are interconnected and have far-reaching effects on the planet.