Question

How does the atmosphere act as a blanket? The moon is about the same distance from the sun that Earth is, but still there is no atmosphere on the moon. Give reason.

Answer 1

Hint: An atmosphere refers to a layer or composite of gaseous layers that surrounds a planet or other celestial body. The gravity of the concerned planet or the material body is responsible for holding the layers of atmospheric gases in place. High gravity and low temperature in the atmosphere favors the stability of the atmosphere.

Complete answer:
Gaseous envelope that is surrounding the earth or some other planet is referred to as its atmosphere. It forms a thin layer round the earth which serves as a protective blanket for earth thereby preventing it from the scorching heat of sun and its harmful radiations as well. Moreover, the force of gravity present on earth is responsible for holding the layers of atmosphere in place.

The atmosphere comprises various gases, dust particles and water vapors. The weather and other climatic conditions are severely affected if there are any changes in the atmosphere. This prevents the swift increase in the earth’s temperature in day time as well reduces the sudden drop in temperature due to the escaping of heat to the outer space during the night time. Thus, atmosphere acts as a blanket.

The moon has no atmosphere despite of being located at same distance as the earth from the sun because the size of the moon is very small as compared to the earth and moreover, moon is considered dead based on its geology that is it does not experience any geologic upwelling and plate tectonics.

Note: Several gases wrapping around the earth constitutes the atmosphere. The atmosphere majorly comprises air which is not a good conductor of heat. Therefore it helps in maintaining the average temperature on the earth all through the year. Also, the atmosphere contains ozone gas which helps in the absorption of harmful rays radiated by the sun thus protecting the earth.