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The nonlinear relationship between temperature and saturation makes it possiblefor two unsaturated air samples to mix and form a new saturated air sample. Jet contrails are one example ofthis as warm exhaust containing moisture mixes with cold air. Some contrails disappear quickly, others linger. What do you think determines the life span of contrail? ANSWER The the surrounding air, the rapidly the ice crystals will , making the contrail disappear. Select the correct answer


A - DRIER / WARMER B - LESS / MORE C - CONDENSE/SUBLIME "Check spelling before submitting your answer.

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Final answer:

The life span of a contrail is determined by the surrounding air temperature and humidity. Drier and warmer air causes the ice crystals in the contrail to evaporate quickly, while more humid or colder air allows the contrail to linger for a longer time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The life span of a contrail, the white streak formed behind a high-flying jet aircraft's engines, is determined by the surrounding air conditions. Contrails form when warm exhaust containing moisture mixes with cold air, causing the moisture to condense into ice crystals. The speed at which these ice crystals evaporate depends on the surrounding air temperature and humidity. If the surrounding air is drier and warmer, the ice crystals will evaporate more rapidly, causing the contrail to disappear quickly. On the other hand, if the surrounding air is more humid or colder, the ice crystals will persist, causing the contrail to linger for a longer time.

User NeoDarque
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Final answer:

The life span of a contrail is determined by the surrounding air. A. Drier and warmer air causes the contrail to disappear quickly, while more humid and cooler air causes the contrail to linger.

Step-by-step explanation:

The life span of a contrail is determined by the surrounding air. If the air is drier and warmer, the ice crystals in the contrail will evaporate more quickly, causing the contrail to disappear faster. On the other hand, if the air is more humid and cooler, the ice crystals in the contrail will persist for a longer period of time, causing the contrail to linger in the sky.

Thus, the lifespan of a contrail, or condensation trail, varies based on atmospheric conditions. Short-lived contrails may dissipate quickly, while persistent ones can last for hours, contributing to cloud formation. Factors like humidity and temperature influence their duration in the sky.

User ZoFreX
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