Chapter 17, Problem 1TYC

To determine

The thickness of the earth atmosphere and also give one characteristics of troposphere and stratosphere.

Answer to Problem 1TYC

The atmosphere is the combination of different types of gases which forms several layers. These layers collectively called as atmosphere. The thickness of earth’s atmosphere is about 480 km. The troposphere is the thinnest part of atmosphere and the stratosphere is the layer where the harmful ultraviolet radiations are absorbed.

Explanation of Solution

Earth’s atmosphere is the combination of number of gases likes oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapor and so on. These gases formed several layers in the earth or its surroundings. Atmosphere is divided into five layers that are: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere.

Mixture of several gases forms the earth’s atmosphere. The temperature and pressure are the main area of concern in the earth’s atmosphere. The pressures inside the earth due to various gases are called the atmospheric pressure.

The thickness of the Earth’s atmosphere is about 480 kilometers. The characteristics feature of troposphere is that, the temperature falls down as there is rise in the altitude of the troposphere. It is denser among all the layers of the atmosphere and contains the world’s weather within it. The main components of this layer are 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.

Stratosphere makes a large atmospheric layer among all the layers. The characteristic feature of this layer is that, as there is rise in the altitude of the stratosphere the temperature of this region also increases with high altitude. This region of atmosphere is absolutely without the clouds and weather conditions.