Question

3
the troposphere is the lowest layer of earths atmosphere. how does temperature change with altitude in the troposphere?
a. temperature increases as altitude increases.
b. temperature decreases as altitude increases.
c. temperature is uniform throughout the layer.
d. temperature increases up to an altitude of 5 km, then temperature begins to decrease.

Explanation:

In the troposphere, the primary heat source is the Earth's surface (due to absorption of solar radiation by the surface and subsequent reradiation as heat). As altitude increases in the troposphere, the distance from this heat source increases, and the air becomes less dense, leading to a decrease in temperature. Option A is incorrect (temperature does not increase with altitude here). Option C is incorrect as temperature varies with altitude. Option D is incorrect as the troposphere's temperature generally decreases with altitude throughout, not having a rise up to 5 km.

Answer:

B. Temperature decreases as altitude increases.