Atmosphere and Weather Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to atmospheric science and weather concepts.

Atmosphere

A mixture of gases that surrounds solid Earth, largely contained within the first 50 km (30 miles) above it.

Pressure

A measure of how much the atmosphere above you weighs, calculated as Force (Weight) divided by Area.

Hydrogen and Helium

The primary gases that escaped Earth's gravity to form its original atmosphere after the Big Bang.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants produce food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, resulting in oxygen and glucose.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion, calculated as ½ x Mass x (Velocity)^2.

Density

Mass (number of molecules) divided by Volume.

Dew Point Temperature

The temperature to which air must be cooled at constant pressure to reach saturation.

Absolute Humidity

The mass of water vapor divided by the volume of the air containing the vapor.

Latent Heat of Melting

The heat energy required to change a substance from solid to liquid, measured at 80 calories/gram.

Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)

The force that compels fluid to move from regions of high pressure to low pressure.