Question

What would happen if the Earth didn't have an atmosphere?

a) The planet would become extremely cold due to the absence of greenhouse gases.
b) Solar radiation would directly reach the surface, leading to intense heat.
c) There would be no protection from harmful cosmic rays, impacting life on Earth.
d) Without atmospheric pressure, liquids would boil at lower temperatures.

Answer 1

The absence of an atmosphere on Earth would lead to extreme cold, intense heat, lack of protection from cosmic rays, and lower boiling points for liquids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The absence of an atmosphere on Earth would have several significant consequences:

1. The planet would become extremely cold due to the absence of greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect, caused by gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor in the atmosphere, helps trap heat and keep the Earth warm. Without these gases, the surface temperature of the Earth would decrease significantly.
2. Solar radiation would directly reach the surface, leading to intense heat. Without an atmosphere to scatter and absorb the Sun's radiation, the Earth's surface would receive more direct sunlight, resulting in higher temperatures.
3. There would be no protection from harmful cosmic rays, impacting life on Earth. Earth's atmosphere acts as a shield against cosmic rays and other harmful radiation from space. Without this protection, exposure to high levels of cosmic rays could be detrimental to life.
4. Without atmospheric pressure, liquids would boil at lower temperatures. Atmospheric pressure affects the boiling point of liquids. Without an atmosphere, the pressure would be significantly lower, causing liquids to boil at lower temperatures.