Question

When you feel wind, you are feeling the movement of Earth's atmosphere. Imagine that the pocket of atmosphere above your town is heated by the Sun.

Which of the following best describes the movement that will take place in that pocket of atmosphere?
A.
There will be no movement; heated air does not have the energy move.
B.
The heated air will rise, and cooler air will move into its place.
C.
The heated air will sink down to the surface.
D.
The heated air will vibrate in place, causing a swirling wind.

Answer 1

The best description of the movement that will take place in the heated pocket of atmosphere is:

**B. The heated air will rise, and cooler air will move into its place.**

When air is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler air, which is denser, will move in to take its place, creating a circulation pattern.