11.2 State of the Atmosphere

Temperature vs. Heat Heat and temp are 2 different concepts Temp is the measurement of how rapidly molecules move around The faster they move the warmer it is Heat is the transfer of energy that occurs because of a difference in temp (higher to lower)

Dew Point Dew point is the temp at which air must be cooled at constant pressure to reach saturation Saturation is the point at which the air holds as much water vapor as possible Condensation occurs when matter changes state from a gas to a solid

Temperature Inversion Temp and pressure in the overall troposphere decrease with height The exception is with a temperature inversion This is an increase in temp with height

Relative Humidity Air in the lower portion of the atmosphere always contains a little bit of water vapor This is called humidity The ratio of water vapor in a volume of air relative to how much water vapor that air is capable of holding is called relative humidity (expressed as a percent) Warm air can hold more moisture then cold