module9REVIEW

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In this module, we have learned that the atmosphere has five layers, each with different properties. These layers absorb most of the UV radiation and X-rays that are emitted toward Earth from the Sun, while much of the Sun’s remaining energy passes through the atmosphere to strike Earth’s surface. The amount of solar energy that strikes the surface of Earth at any location depends on the angle of the Sun’s rays and the albedo. Earth’s tilted axis causes the planet’s unequal heating to shift throughout the year, which produces seasonal changes in the amount of solar energy that strikes different regions of the world. In the next module, we will examine how this unequal heating of Earth affects the circulation of air currents, which, in turn, help determine global climates.

Module 9 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. Which list is in the correct order of atmospheric layers starting from Earth’s surface?

  1. Thermosphere, stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, exosphere

  2. Exosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere

  3. Mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere, troposphere

  4. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, exosphere, mesosphere

  5. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

Question 2

2. Which of the following contributes to the unequal warming of Earth?

  1. Variation in the angle of sunlight that reaches Earth

  2. Variation in the amount of surface area over which the Sun’s rays are distributed

  3. Variation in the amount of sunlight reflected from clouds

  1. I only

  2. I and II only

  3. II and III only

  4. III only

  5. I, II, and III

Question 3

3. Which of the following has the highest albedo?

  1. Soil

  2. Snow

  3. Water

  4. Tropical rainforest

  5. Pavement

Question 4

4. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is warmer primarily because of

  1. increased atmospheric absorption of solar radiation.

  2. the tilt of Earth’s axis.

  3. reduced albedo.

  1. I only

  2. I and II only

  3. II only

  4. I and III only

  5. II and III only

Question 5

5. Which atmospheric layer contains the protective ozone layer?

  1. Exosphere

  2. Mesosphere

  3. Stratosphere

  4. Thermosphere

  5. Troposphere