Question

What effects does ionizing radiation have on the atmosphere? Select the two correct answers.(1 point)
Responses

It helps atoms to escape Earth's gravity in the exosphere.
It helps atoms to escape Earth's gravity in the exosphere.

It ionizes atoms and molecules in the thermosphere.
It ionizes atoms and molecules in the thermosphere.

It forms ozone in the stratosphere.
It forms ozone in the stratosphere.

It is the chief cause of warming in the troposphere.
It is the chief cause of warming in the troposphere.

Answer 1

- It ionizes atoms and molecules in the thermosphere.
- It forms ozone in the stratosphere.

Explanation (brief): High‑energy solar UV/X‑rays and cosmic rays ionize gases in the thermosphere (creating the ionosphere). Shortwave UV photodissociates O2, allowing O + O2 → O3 and so produces stratospheric ozone. Ionizing radiation is not the chief cause of tropospheric warming (greenhouse gases and surface heating are), nor is it the primary mechanism by which atoms escape Earth's gravity.