Question

What is meant by the term ‘atmosphere’. State the role played by the atmosphere for the survival of mankind.

Answer 1

Hint: The term atmosphere comes from a greek word, atoms means vapor and sphaira means a ball or a sphere. It is a layer of gases surrounding a planet or any material body, which is held in place by the gravitational force of that body.

Complete answer:
Atmosphere is a blanket of gases surrounding the earth. It is held near the surface of the planet by the gravitational attraction of earth. The three main constituents of the atmosphere are argon, nitrogen and oxygen. The atmosphere plays a major role in the survival of mankind. Oxygen gas, necessary for the survival of all living organisms on earth, is present in the atmosphere. Many other important gases which support life on earth are present in the atmosphere. If there is no atmosphere, then a water cycle will not be possible. The atmosphere acts as a protective blanket for the planet earth by blocking harmful radiations like the UV rays from the sun. Atmosphere plays a vital role in maintaining the temperature on earth. It keeps the earth warm at nights and it also helps in providing gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen to the plants.

Note:
The atmosphere safeguards the earth by keeping the average temperature of earth steady. During daytime, it prevents a sudden increase in the temperature and prevents heat from escaping to outer space during nights. Hence, the atmosphere plays a vital role in the survival of mankind.