Final answer:
It is true that tiny bits of particulate matter, such as dust and smoke, act as condensation nuclei above the ground. These particles facilitate the condensation of water vapor into droplets, leading to cloud formation and playing a role in various atmospheric processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that tiny bits of particulate matter serve as condensation nuclei is True. In the atmosphere, various solid and liquid particles, such as dust, smoke, and pollen, provide surfaces for water vapor to condense on, forming water droplets that can lead to cloud formation. These particles are crucial in the process of condensation, as they lower the energy barrier for the phase change from gas to liquid. Similar processes occur in other contexts as well, such as the widely scattered solid particles in interstellar space that are responsible for the dimming of starlight. These interstellar particles are generally made of compounds and elements that can condense in cool, dense gas regions, such as those found in the winds from stars or from supernova explosions.