10._The_atmosphere.pptVIP

THE ATMOSPHERE 1. THE AIR AROUND YOU Weather is the condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place. Earth’s atmosphere is the envelope of gases that surrounds the planet. (I.e.: breathing an apple) Composition of the Atmosphere It is made up of: Nitrogen: ? of the air we breath (Most abundant gas) Nitrogen molecule (N2) has 2 atoms of Nitrogen Oxygen: Less than ? of the volume. It is involved in other processes (combustion, oxidation…) Oxygen molecules (O2) has 2 atoms of oxygen. Ozone (O3) is a form of oxygen that has 3 atoms of Oxygen Carbon Dioxide: Each molecule of CO2 has 2 atoms of oxygen and 1 of carbon. It is essential to life (photosynthesis, wastes…) Other gases: N2 and O2 together make 99% of dry air. Argon (Ar) and Carbon dioxide CO2 make the rest Remain gases are called trace gases, because only small amounts of them are present. Water vapor: Air is not dry because it contains water vapor The amount of water vapor in the air varies from place to place and time to time. Important role in the Earth’s weather. Particles: Pure air contains only gases, but it only exists in laboratories. In the real world air contains: dust, smoke, salt, chemicals… Importance of the atmosphere Earth’s atmosphere makes conditions on Earth suitable for living things. (Water, Energy, Mild temperatures, radiation and meteorites protection) 2. AIR PRESSURE The weight of the atmosphere itself is constantly pressing on your body (I.e.: backpack) Properties of air Air has mass Density The amount of gas in a given volume of air density= mass/volume More molecules, greater density Pressure The force pushing on an area or surface Air pressure is the result of the weight of a column of air pushing down on an area. It can change from day to day Denser substance has more mass per unit volume than a less dense one, so denser air exerts more pressure than less dense air Measuring Air Pressure Barometer is an instrument that is used to measure air pressure. There