Physics · Geography

Atmospheric Physics and Humidity

935 Questions

Study the principles of atmospheric physics and humidity through these practice questions. Key subjects include the rate of evaporation, temperature inversions, and relative humidity measurements. These concepts are vital for geography and physics exams.

Evaporation and condensationRelative humidity conceptsAtmospheric pressure effectsTemperature inversion

Atmospheric Physics and Humidity Questions

Multiple choice

What happens when moist air comes in contact with a cold surface?

  1. Water vapour present in the air condenses and drops of water appear on the cold surface.

  2. The water vapour in the air condenses and a small cloud forms.

  3. The particulate matter suspended in the air settles down as the air around the surface contracts.

  4. No visible effect is observed.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The water vapour present in the air condenses and drops of water appear on the cold surface.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are true? (a) Air contains water vapours. (b) When air comes in contact with a hot surface, it condenses. (c) When water vapour from the air condenses, the drops of water appear on the surface of an object.

  1. Only (a)

  2. Only (b) and (c)

  3. Only (a) and (c)

  4. Only (b)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Air contains water vapours and when air comes in contact with a cool surface, water vapour condenses and drops of water appear on the cooled surface of an object.

Multiple choice

Wind is

  1. Moving air

  2. Cold air

  3. Hot air

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Moving air is called wind.

Multiple choice

Directions: The question consists of a CAPITALISED word followed by five possible illustrations of the meaning. Choose the one, which is the most unsuitable illustration.

ATTENUATE

  1. High altitudes attenuate the oxygen content of the air.

  2. We noticed the attenuation of the radio signal.

  3. Watch the glass–blower attenuate the glass into a long thread.

  4. The skinny boy had attenuating limbs.

  5. You don’t have to attenuate the solution to serve your requirement.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The usage of the term in options (1), (2) and (5) is a formal word meaning ‘to weaken’, dilute or reduce in size. In sentence (3), the term attenuate implies ‘make thin’. In option (4), the expression should have been ‘attenuated limbs’. Therefore, option (4) is an example of incorrect usage.

Multiple choice

On cloudy nights very little dew is formed. The reason for this is that

  1. on cloudy nights the radiation occurs very slowly

  2. clouds absorb the falling dew

  3. clouds scatter moisture

  4. all the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dew forms when the surface temperature drops below the dew point due to radiative cooling. On cloudy nights, clouds act as a blanket, reflecting thermal radiation back to the surface and preventing the rapid cooling necessary for dew formation.

Multiple choice

The atmosphere exerts enormous pressure on us. But we do not feel it because

  1. we are used to it

  2. the bones area of our body is very small

  3. the surface area of our head is very small

  4. our blood exerts pressure slightly more than that of the atmosphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The human body maintains internal pressure through blood and other fluids. This internal pressure is roughly equal to or slightly higher than the external atmospheric pressure, which prevents us from being crushed.

Multiple choice

One gets the feeling of uneasiness when the air

  1. is perfectly dry

  2. contains little amount of water vapours

  3. is saturated with moisture

  4. is of high density
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

High humidity levels, especially when air is saturated, prevent sweat from evaporating efficiently. This lack of cooling leads to a feeling of discomfort and uneasiness.