The Atmosphere Chapter 15 section 1 Characteristics of the Atmosphere

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The AtmosphereChapter 15 section
1Characteristics of the Atmosphere

• S6E3b Relate various atmosphere conditions to
  stages of the water cycle.

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• Does air have mass?
• Explain your answer

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The Atmosphere

• The atmosphere is a mixture of gases that
  surrounds Earth and held in place by gravity.
• Contains oxygen to breathe
• Protects us from the suns damaging rays

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Composition of the Atmosphere

• Copy picture
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• Argon
• Carbon dioxide
• Neon
• Helium
• Methane
• Krypton
• Hydrogen

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Composition of the Atmosphere

• Most common gas is nitrogen
• Oxygen is 2nd most common
• Small particles dust, volcanic ash, sea salt,
  dirt, and smoke
• Water liquid water (water droplets)
• solid water (snow and ice crystals),
• water vapor (gas)
• Stop demonstration

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Characteristics of the AtmosphereAtmospheric
Pressure

• Atmosphere is held around the Earth by gravity.
• As gas molecules are pulled by gravity it causes
  air pressure.
• Air pressure is the measure of the force with
  which air molecules push on a surface.
• At sea level, there is 15 lbs of pressure per
  square inch.
• Air pressure is the strongest at Earths surface
  because most gas molecules are pushing down on
  you.
• As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.
• As altitude decreases, density increases.

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Stop and Think

• When you let go of a helium balloon outside, why
  does it float away going further and further up?
• Why does a hot air balloon float?
• Why cant helicopters fly in the upper atmosphere?

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Changes in Temperature

• As altitude increases there is a change in the
  temperature.
• Temperature varies as a result from the way solar
  energy is absorbed by gases

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Layers of the Atmosphere

• Include information on your foldable.
• Pages 450-453 in textbook
• Name of Layer
• altitude range
• temperature range
• other features