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.