Final answer:
The scale of atmospheric motion for a small tornado is classified as mesoscale, while turbulence around a plane is often microscale. Meteorologists use angular velocity and the Bernoulli principle to predict tornado impact and flight turbulence, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scale of atmospheric motion for a small tornado or turbulence around a plane is classified according to the different types of atmospheric phenomena. A tornado, even a small one, is considered a mesoscale event, which means it falls in the middle range of atmospheric phenomena scales. These events can range from a single thunderstorm to a larger weather system. Turbulence experienced by an airplane, on the other hand, can be associated with microscale meteorological events. This scale includes small, detailed patterns of motion, such as the eddies that affect airplanes.
For instance, analyzing the angular velocity of a tornado, which can have winds as high as 500 km/h and a diameter of 60.0 m, meteorologists can predict its potential impact. Using knowledge of how wind changes over distance and understanding the Bernoulli principle, meteorologists can also gauge the extent of turbulence that large objects like airplanes may encounter, predicting turbulent wakes that can affect flight conditions.