Question

y does temperature decrease with higher altitude?
a. air is held strongly together by gravity, so there is less heat transfer.
b. air density is lower, so there is less heat transfer.
c. air density is higher, so there is less heat transfer.
d. air pressure is higher, so there is less heat transfer.

Explanation:

At higher altitudes, gravity pulls most air molecules closer to Earth's surface, resulting in lower air density. Less dense air has fewer molecules to absorb and transfer heat from the Earth's surface, leading to lower temperatures. Options A, C, and D are incorrect: gravity holds more air near the surface (not strongly together at high altitude), air density is lower (not higher) at altitude, and air pressure is lower (not higher) at higher elevation.

Answer:

B. Air density is lower, so there is less heat transfer.