Multiple choice

Why are the thermosphere and exosphere the warmest of the atmospheric layers?

  1. because the air pressure is too great

  2. because the underlying mesosphere keeps the warm air there

  3. because they are closest to the Sun

  4. because of the gases trapped in these layers
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The thermosphere and exosphere are the outermost layers and directly absorb high-energy solar radiation from the Sun. Because they are closest to the Sun and receive this intense radiation first, their temperatures can reach extremely high levels.

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