Problem 58 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

An object is located at a height of \(5 \mathrm{~km}\) from the surface of the earth. The object is located in which part of atmosphere? (a) thermosphere (b) mesosphere (c) stratosphere (d) troposphere

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The object is in the troposphere, option (d).

Step 1: Understanding Atmospheric Layers

The Earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers based on temperature and altitude. From the surface upwards, these are: the Troposphere (up to about 8-15 km), the Stratosphere (up to about 50 km), the Mesosphere (up to 85 km), and the Thermosphere (extends further up to 600 km and beyond).

Step 2: Determine Altitude Placement

The object is located at a height of 5 km above the Earth's surface. Compare this altitude to the defined atmospheric layers: 5 km is within the bounds of the Troposphere, as this layer typically extends from the Earth's surface up to 8-15 km.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Layer

Based on the altitude of 5 km, the object falls within the range of the Troposphere. Recalling the options given in the problem, 'troposphere' corresponds to option (d).

Key Concepts

Altitude

Altitude is a measure of how high an object is above the Earth's surface. It is often expressed in kilometers (km) or meters (m). Understanding altitude is crucial when discussing the Earth's atmospheric layers because each layer is defined by its altitude range. For instance, when you hear someone mention they are at an altitude of 5 km, it means they are five kilometers above sea level. Altitude affects many physical and environmental factors, such as:

• Temperature: Generally, as altitude increases, the air temperature decreases.
• Pressure: Air pressure drops with higher altitudes, affecting breathing and weather conditions.
• Weather: Different altitude ranges can host different types of clouds and weather phenomena.

Knowing the altitude helps determine which atmospheric layer an object is in, thus influencing the conditions it might experience.

Troposphere

The Troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere and extends from the surface to about 8-15 km in altitude, depending on your location on the planet. It is where most of the Earth's weather takes place, making it a crucial layer for life on Earth. Some key characteristics of the Troposphere include:

• Weather: Almost all weather phenomena, like rain, snow, and wind, occur in this layer.
• Temperature: The temperature decreases with altitude in the Troposphere.
• Air Composition: It contains the bulk of the atmosphere’s mass and has a higher concentration of water vapor and dust.
• Life: This layer supports life, with plants, animals, and human activities taking place here.

The Troposphere is considered essential for regulating the planet's weather and climate. Understanding this layer is critical for meteorology and environmental science.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a blanket of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for creating a habitable environment. It is composed of several layers, with each layer having unique characteristics and functions. The atmosphere consists of:

• Troposphere: Closest to the Earth’s surface, where we live and weather happens.
• Stratosphere: Above the Troposphere, this layer is where the ozone layer is found, protecting life by blocking harmful UV radiation.
• Mesosphere: Meteors burn up in this layer, protecting Earth from potential impacts.
• Thermosphere: Contains the ionosphere, an area that aids in radio communication and where auroras occur.

Each layer plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth, from shielding the planet from solar radiation to supporting diverse weather patterns. The distinction between these layers is primarily defined by changes in temperature with altitude.