A cloud forms around 45° south latitude and is carried through the atmosphere on the Westerlies, as shown below. As the water molecules in the cloud move through the atmosphere, which step in the water cycle is most likely to happen next?

Diagram showing a cloud in the southern hemisphere floating southeast on the Westerlies

© 2010 FLVS

The molecules cool and eventually condense.

The molecules break apart and eventually evaporate.

The molecules heat up and eventually rise as water vapor.

The molecules combine and eventually fall as precipitation.

Question 3(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

Based on your observations from the Can Crush Lab, why would a helium balloon that rises into the atmosphere eventually burst?

Atmospheric pressure outside the balloon increases as the balloon rises.

Atmospheric pressure outside the balloon decreases as the balloon rises.

Helium molecules inside the balloon decrease as the balloon rises.

Helium molecules inside the balloon increase as the balloon rises.

Question 4(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

What is the relationship between atmospheric pressure and the density of gas particles in an area of increasing pressure?

As air pressure in an area increases, the density of the gas particles in that area decreases.

As air pressure in an area increases, the density of the gas particles in that area increases.

As air pressure in an area increases, the density of the gas particles in that area remains constant.

As air pressure in an area increases, the density of the gas particles in that area increases and decreases in an alternating pattern.

Question 5(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

As a barometer lowers, what kind of weather can be expected?

There will likely be no change in the weather.

The weather will likely become clearer and drier.

The weather will likely become cloudier and stormier.

The weather will likely become cooler and less humid.

Question 6(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

Which of the following is considered a drawback to using wind energy as a source of power?

Wind energy is highly polluting.

Wind energy is nonrenewable.

Winds do not always blow consistently.

Winds produce lesser quality energy than other sources.

Question 7(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

Which of the following correctly describes a way in which Earth’s atmosphere interacts with the hydrosphere?

Living organisms breathe gases in the atmosphere.

Water moves between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere.

Gases in the atmosphere trap incoming solar radiation.

Carbon cycles between sediment on Earth and the atmosphere.

Question 8(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

Which statement below best describes the temperature of the atmosphere at various altitudes?

The mesosphere has a lower temperature than the thermosphere.

The mesosphere has a higher temperature than the thermosphere.

The temperature of the mesosphere is the same as the thermosphere.

The altitude has no impact on the temperature of the atmospheric layers.

Question 9(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points)

Which of the following is not a measurement taken by a radiosonde?

atmospheric pressure

cloud height

humidity

temperature