Final answer:
The dry adiabatic lapse rate is used to determine the rate at which temperature changes with increasing altitude in a parcel of dry air. It is approximately 9.8°C per 1000 meters or 5.5°F per 1000 feet. This rate is a result of the adiabatic expansion that occurs as an air parcel rises.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dry adiabatic lapse rate is used to determine the rate at which temperature changes with increasing altitude in a parcel of dry air that is not saturated with water vapor. It is applicable when there is no condensation or evaporation occurring in the parcel. The dry adiabatic lapse rate is approximately 9.8°C per 1000 meters or 5.5°F per 1000 feet.
When an air parcel rises and expands, it does work against its surroundings, causing a decrease in its temperature due to the decrease in internal energy. This cooling effect is quantified by the dry adiabatic lapse rate. The rate is a result of the adiabatic expansion that occurs as the air parcel rises and the surrounding pressure decreases, leading to a decrease in temperature.
It is important to note that the dry adiabatic lapse rate is a theoretical value and may not always be exactly observed in real-world atmospheric conditions, as factors such as moisture content and cloud formation can influence the lapse rate.