Question

Students are investigating how various air conditions affect weather patterns. They set up an experiment by creating four separate closed containers that model four different air conditions. Each container is made by stacking two plastic cups on top of each other, connecting both openings, and sealing them with tape. The air conditions inside of the containers are created by placing either warm sand or warm water in them. Some of the containers are then cooled by placing ice cubes on top. After 30 minutes, two containers have water droplets on the inside and two containers do not. The pictures show the containers after 30 minutes have passed.

Container 1 has warm sand in the bottom cup.Container 2 has warm water in the bottom cup and water droplets on the sides of the bottom cup.Container 3 has warm sand in the bottom cup and ice cubes sitting on top of the top cup.Container 4 has warm water in the bottom cup and ice cubes on top of the top cup. Water droplets are on the sides of the top cup.

Resize Columns
Question 9.



The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A:

Which container best represents the weather conditions in which a heavy rainstorm would occur?


Container 2


Container 1


Container 4


Container 3


Part B:

Which weather conditions does the container from Part A represent?


warm, moist air quickly heating as it comes into contact with hot air


warm, dry air quickly cooling as it comes into contact with cold air


warm, moist air quickly cooling as it comes into contact with cold air


warm, dry air quickly heating as it comes into contact with hot air



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Answer 1

Part A: Container 4

Part B: warm, moist air quickly cooling as it comes into contact with cold air

Explanation: The warm water provides moist air; the ice on top cools that moist air so water vapor condenses (droplets), which models the condensation and heavy precipitation that occurs when warm, moist air meets cold air (a cold front).