DAY 2

Question 1: Which of the following molecules is NOT found in Earth's

atmosphere? A) Oxygen B) Carbon Dioxide C) Methane D) Chlorine
Answer: D) Chlorine

Question 2: Which of the following best describes atmospheric pressure? A) The

force per unit area exerted by the weight of the atmosphere B) The force per unit
area exerted by the sun on Earth's surface C) The amount of oxygen in the
atmosphere D) The temperature of the atmosphere at a particular location
Answer: A) The force per unit area exerted by the weight of the atmosphere

The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth and is held in place
by gravity. It is composed of mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, along with trace
amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and neon. The
atmosphere plays a critical role in regulating Earth's temperature, shielding the
planet from harmful radiation, and providing the air we breathe.
Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the weight of the
atmosphere on a surface. It is caused by the gravitational attraction between the
Earth and the gases in the atmosphere. The weight of the atmosphere decreases
with altitude, resulting in lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes. The
standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101.3 kilopascals
(kPa), or 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi). Atmospheric pressure can have a
significant impact on weather patterns and is used to measure altitude in aviation.
Changes in atmospheric pressure can also affect human physiology, particularly at
high altitudes or during deep-sea diving.

An example of atmospheric pressure is the sensation of your ears popping when

you travel to a higher altitude. As you ascend, the atmospheric pressure
decreases because there is less air above you are pressing down. However, the air
inside your ears remains at the same pressure as at the lower altitude, causing a
difference in pressure between the inside and outside of your eardrum. This
pressure difference can cause discomfort and even pain until your ears "pop" to
equalize the pressure. This is a common experience for people flying on airplanes
or driving up steep mountain roads.

An example of the atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds the Earth and
protects it from harmful radiation from the sun. This layer is critical for sustaining
life on Earth, as it contains the oxygen that living organisms need to breathe and
carbon dioxide that is necessary for plant growth. The atmosphere also plays a
crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature and climate, by trapping heat and
reflecting sunlight back into space. Without the atmosphere, the Earth would be
much colder and less hospitable to life as we know it. The atmosphere also
creates stunning visual phenomena such as sunsets, rainbows, and auroras, which
are caused by the interaction between light and gases in the atmosphere.