The Atmosphere- What do you know?

Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Diagrams can be substituted where appropriate.

1) List the 4 layers of the atmosphere in order of decreasing height towards the surface of the Earth.

2) In which layer of the atmosphere do weather changes take place?

3) In which layer of the atmosphere is the ozone layer?

4) Explain the term layer and the role the ozone layer plays in our daily lives?

5) What is an ion? Why is the ionosphere composed of ions and free electrons?

6) Define the term attenuation. What factors effect attenuation of waves in the troposphere?

7) What do we mean by the phrase “electron density”. Explain the role it plays in radio communication.

8) List the factors that effect ionization in the ionosphere. Explain how/why each factor is significant.

9) Which layer(s) of the ionosphere disappear at night?

10) What does this disappearance mean for radio wave propagation? Explain your answer in terms of AM and FM reception.