Question

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

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

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

Answer 1

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

Brief explanation:
- High-energy solar UV, EUV and X-rays ionize atmospheric gases in the upper atmosphere, producing the ionosphere (thermosphere).
- Ultraviolet radiation photodissociates O2 in the stratosphere, producing atomic O that combines with O2 to form O3 (ozone).
- Ionizing radiation is not the chief cause of tropospheric warming (the greenhouse effect and surface heating dominate).
- While very energetic particles can contribute to atmospheric escape, routine ionizing radiation is not generally described as the main mechanism that helps atoms escape from the exosphere.