Role of Atmosphere in Climate Control - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Chapter: Natural Resources | Topic: Role of Atmosphere in Climate Control
ROLE OF ATMOSPHERE IN CLIMATE CONTROL - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: Role of Atmosphere in Climate Control
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. The atmosphere keeps the Earth's temperature stable mainly by:
- Blocking all sunlight from reaching the Earth
- Trapping some heat through the greenhouse effect and preventing sudden temperature changes
- Making the Earth colder at night
- Creating clouds that cover the sun
Q2. During the day, the atmosphere prevents the Earth from becoming too hot by:
- Reflecting some sunlight back to space
- Absorbing all the heat
- Stopping the sun from shining
- Making the Earth rotate faster
Q3. At night, the atmosphere keeps the Earth from freezing by:
- Releasing the heat it absorbed during the day back to the surface
- Blocking the moonlight
- Creating wind
- Increasing air pressure
Q4. The moon has no atmosphere. As a result:
- It has beautiful weather
- Its temperature varies wildly from extremely hot to extremely cold
- It has more life than Earth
- It receives less sunlight than Earth
Q5. In Delhi, summer days are very hot but summer nights are also warm. In contrast, in desert areas like Rajasthan, days are scorching but nights become surprisingly cold. This difference is mainly because:
- Delhi has more humidity in the air
- Desert areas have very dry air with less water vapour to trap heat at night
- Rajasthan is closer to the sun
- Delhi has more buildings
Short Answer Questions
Q6. How does the atmosphere act as a blanket for the Earth? Explain its role during the day and during the night in simple terms.
Q7. Why does the temperature on the moon vary from about 100°C during the day to -150°C at night? What does this tell us about the importance of having an atmosphere?
Q8. Explain how water vapour in the atmosphere helps in controlling the climate. Why do coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai have more moderate temperatures compared to inland cities like Nagpur?
Q9. Why do mountaineers climbing Everest feel extremely cold even when the sun is shining brightly? How does the thinning atmosphere at high altitudes affect temperature regulation?
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Explain the role of the atmosphere in climate control under these headings: how it prevents excessive heating during the day, how it prevents excessive cooling at night, and how the greenhouse effect (in moderation) helps maintain life-friendly temperatures. Why is the moon, which lacks an atmosphere, unsuitable for life?
Q11. "The atmosphere is Earth's most important protective blanket, but human activities are making this blanket too thick." Discuss this statement by explaining the natural greenhouse effect, how increased carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is enhancing this effect, and what consequences this has for Earth's climate and living organisms.
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. Case Study - Temperature Comparison:
A student recorded temperatures in three places on the same day in January:
| Place | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Distance from Sea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi (Kerala) | 32°C | 24°C | 0 km |
| Bengaluru (Karnataka) | 28°C | 16°C | 300 km |
| Jaipur (Rajasthan) | 25°C | 8°C | 400 km |
Answer the following:
(a) Calculate the day-night temperature difference for each city. Which city has the smallest difference, and which has the largest?
(b) What is the relationship between distance from the sea and day-night temperature variation? Explain using the role of water vapour in the atmosphere.
(c) Why do farmers in Rajasthan cover their plants with cloth during winter nights? Explain the science behind this practice.
Q13. Real-Life Application - Greenhouse Experiment:
Your school science club builds two miniature greenhouses:
Greenhouse A: Sealed glass box with normal air
Greenhouse B: Sealed glass box with extra carbon dioxide added
Both are placed in sunlight for 2 hours. Temperature readings are taken every 30 minutes.
Answer the following:
(a) Predict which greenhouse would show a higher temperature rise. Explain why, using the concept of the greenhouse effect.
(b) How does this simple experiment relate to what is happening on Earth due to increased burning of coal, petrol, and deforestation?
(c) If you were to design a third greenhouse to show how we can reduce this effect, what would you do differently?