Question

A parcel of *COOL* air is more dense (heavier) and thus sinks. As this parcel of air sinks in the atmosphere, it will encounter higher pressure and thus be compressed. As it is compressed the molecules in it will start to speed up and thus kinetic energy levels will increase. As this occurs, the T° will also increase.

T or F

Answer 1

The statement regarding cool air warming as it sinks due to compression and increased kinetic energy is true, consistent with thermodynamic principles and the ideal gas law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that a parcel of cool air sinks and warms as it is compressed under higher pressure in the atmosphere is true. Cool air is indeed more dense and tends to sink. As it descends, it encounters higher atmospheric pressure which compresses the air parcel. This compression increases the average kinetic energy of the gas particles within the parcel as they are forced closer together and collide more frequently. The increase in kinetic energy translates to an increase in temperature, according to the principles of thermodynamics.

For instance, as temperature increases, the kinetic energy of gas particles also increases, leading to an expansion of the gas which in turn causes it to become less dense and rise, a process known as convection. This relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and density is described by the ideal gas law, which combines Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and Gay-Lussac's Law.