Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment

Problem 11a

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Chapter 18, Problem 11a

(a) What is the primary basis for the division of the atmosphere into different regions?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Atmospheric Layers

The atmosphere is divided into distinct layers based on temperature gradients and composition. The primary layers include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each layer has unique characteristics, such as temperature changes with altitude and the presence of specific gases, which influence weather patterns and climate.

Temperature Gradient

The temperature gradient refers to the change in temperature with altitude in the atmosphere. In the troposphere, temperature decreases with height, while in the stratosphere, it increases due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone. This gradient is crucial for understanding atmospheric stability and the behavior of weather systems.

Composition of the Atmosphere

The composition of the atmosphere varies with altitude, affecting its physical and chemical properties. The lower atmosphere contains a higher concentration of water vapor and pollutants, while the upper layers have less density and different gas compositions. This variation plays a significant role in atmospheric dynamics and the formation of different weather phenomena.

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Matter Composition

Related Practice

You are working with an artist who has been commissioned to make a sculpture for a big city in the eastern United States. The artist is wondering what material to use to make her sculpture because she has heard that acid rain in the eastern United States might destroy it over time. You take samples of granite, marble, bronze, and other materials, and place them outdoors for a long time in the big city. You periodically examine the appearance and measure the mass of the samples. (a) What observations would lead you to conclude that one or more of the materials are well- suited for the sculpture?

You are working with an artist who has been commissioned to make a sculpture for a big city in the eastern United States. The artist is wondering what material to use to make her sculpture because she has heard that acid rain in the eastern United States might destroy it over time. You take samples of granite, marble, bronze, and other materials, and place them outdoors for a long time in the big city. You periodically examine the appearance and measure the mass of the samples. (b) What chemical process (or processes) is (are) the most likely responsible for any observed changes in the materials? [Section 18.2]

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Textbook Question

Where does the energy come from to evaporate the esti- mated 425,000 km3 of water that annually leaves the oceans, as illustrated here? [Section 18.3]

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Textbook Question

(a) How are the boundaries between the regions of the atmosphere determined?

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Textbook Question

(b) Explain why the stratosphere, which is about 35 km thick, has a smaller total mass than the troposphere, which is about 12 km thick.

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Textbook Question

Air pollution in the Mexico City metropolitan area is among the worst in the world. The concentration of ozone in Mexico City has been measured at 441 ppb (0.441 ppm). Mexico City sits at an altitude of 7400 feet, which means its atmospheric pressure is only 0.67 atm. (a) Calculate the partial pressure of ozone at 441 ppb if the atmospheric pressure is 0.67 atm.

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