METR 1014

Assignment #2

Due Monday September 18, 2000

These are short answer questions over the material covered in lecture. The purpose of the assignment is to help you review for the exam.

  1. What are the three most common permanent gases in the atmosphere?

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  2. Why is water vapor so important in the atmosphere, in spite of occupying only about 0.25% of the total mass?

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  3. Which of the four layers of the atmosphere contains the most weather, and what does temperature do with height in this layer?

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  4. A metal rod is held over a flame. How does heat from one end move to the other end?

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  5. What would emit radiation more intensely, an object with a temperature of 300K or one at 500K? Which would emit radiation at a shorter wavelength?

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  6. What is the most important factor responsible for seasons on the Earth?

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  7. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of Rayleigh, Mie, and nonselective scattering.

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  8. What is the difference between sensible and latent heat?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. What factors affect variation in temperature across the Earth?