Consider the following statements:
1. Primary reason for higher pressure at the surface is gravity.
2. Primary reason for lower pressure at altitude is gravity.
3. Primary reason for lower temperature at altitude is gravity.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation Statement 1 is correct. Gravity pulls air molecules towards the Earth's surface. This causes the air molecules to be more densely packed near the surface, resulting in higher air pressure. The weight of the air above presses down, contributing to the higher pressure.
Statement 2 is correct. As you move higher in altitude, there is less air above you. Gravity's pull on the air molecules decreases with distance from the Earth's center. This results in fewer air molecules and less weight pressing down, leading to lower air pressure.
Statement 3 is not correct. The primary reason for lower temperatures at high altitudes is the decreasing ability of air to retain heat rather than gravity itself. The Earth's surface absorbs heat from the Sun and radiates it, warming the lower atmosphere. At higher altitudes, the air is less dense and retains less heat, leading to a drop in temperature.
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