Earth’s atmosphere makes the planet suitable for living things by doing which of the following? Select all that Apply
A Protects the Earth from meteorites.
B Keeps us from floating off into space
C Increases the amount of gravity on Earth
D Allows for liquid water to exist on Earth.
E Provides gases for living things on Earth to breathe
Holds all of the oceans in place
D & E
yees
To determine which options are correct, let's break down each choice and analyze its validity:
A. Protects the Earth from meteorites: This is true. Earth's atmosphere provides a protective shield that burns up most small meteoroids before they reach the surface.
B. Keeps us from floating off into space: This is also true. Earth's atmosphere exerts downward pressure, allowing us to stay firmly on the planet's surface.
C. Increases the amount of gravity on Earth: This statement is incorrect. The atmosphere does not affect the force of gravity. Gravity is determined by the mass of the Earth, not the presence of the atmosphere.
D. Allows for liquid water to exist on Earth: This is true. Earth's atmosphere helps regulate temperature, creating the conditions necessary for liquid water to exist, an essential requirement for life as we know it.
E. Provides gases for living things on Earth to breathe: This is true. Earth's atmosphere contains a mix of gases, including oxygen, which is necessary for many living organisms to survive.
F. Holds all of the oceans in place: This is incorrect. While the atmosphere does interact with the oceans through weather systems, it is gravitational forces, primarily from the moon, that hold the oceans in place.
Based on the analysis, the correct options are:
A. Protects the Earth from meteorites.
B. Keeps us from floating off into space.
D. Allows for liquid water to exist on Earth.
E. Provides gases for living things on Earth to breathe.