Question

Your friend Mike claims, “It isn’t cold up in the atmosphere, because hot air rises.” Do you agree with Mike’s claim? Why or why not? Use evidence you found in the activity.

Answer 1

I do not agree with Mike, because the Earth radiates hot gas into space, and as hot air rises, it cools due to the difference in air pressure.

Answer 2

Answer: I agree with Mike

Explanation: Gas also get cooler as its pressure drops, which it does as it rises up where there is less air pressing down on it. So when warm air rises, it cools off. That's pretty significant here. But there's an even more important force at work: Earth radiates heat (infrared light) into space.