What happens to molecules in air as altitude increases in the troposphere?(1 point)
The number of molecules of air decrease.
What happens to molecules in air as altitude increases in the troposphere?(1 point)
They become denser.
They move farther apart from each other.
They stay at the same temperature.
They get closer to each other.
As altitude increases in the troposphere, the molecules in the air undergo several changes:
1. Decreased atmospheric pressure: The pressure exerted by the air molecules decreases with increasing altitude. This means that as you go higher in the troposphere, there are fewer air molecules above you, leading to a decrease in atmospheric pressure.
2. Decreased temperature: On average, the temperature of the troposphere decreases with increasing altitude. The rate of temperature decrease is known as the lapse rate, and it varies depending on atmospheric conditions. However, in most regions, the temperature decreases by about 6.5 degrees Celsius per kilometer of altitude.
3. Changes in density: As both pressure and temperature decrease with altitude, the air density also decreases. In simpler terms, there are fewer air molecules per unit volume at higher altitudes compared to lower altitudes.
4. Mixing of gases: The troposphere undergoes convective mixing, where the air gets mixed vertically due to processes like convection currents and turbulence. This mixing helps distribute heat, moisture, and atmospheric pollutants throughout the troposphere.
Overall, as altitude increases in the troposphere, there is a decrease in atmospheric pressure and temperature, a decrease in air density, and changes in the distribution of gases due to convective mixing.
As the altitude increases in the troposphere, the molecules in the air experience certain changes. These changes are primarily attributed to variations in temperature and pressure. To understand what happens to the molecules in air as altitude increases in the troposphere, we need to consider a few key concepts:
1. Temperature Gradient: In the troposphere, the temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude. This is known as the temperature gradient. As you go higher, the air becomes colder.
2. Air Pressure: Similarly, air pressure also decreases with increasing altitude. This means that the air becomes less dense as you move higher up in the troposphere.
Now, let's consider what these changes mean for the molecules in the air:
1. Expansion: As the temperature decreases, the air molecules lose kinetic energy, causing them to slow down and move closer together. This leads to a decrease in the volume of the air. In other words, the air contracts or becomes more dense.
2. Diffusion: Due to the decrease in air pressure, the molecules in the air become more spread out. This allows them to move more freely and diffuse over a larger area compared to denser air at lower altitudes.
Overall, as the altitude increases in the troposphere, the air becomes colder, less dense, and the molecules in the air contract while spreading out. These changes in temperature and pressure have significant effects on weather patterns and our overall experience of the atmosphere at different altitudes.