FAA Part 107 Drone Practice Test

What happens to air as it rises and expands in the atmosphere?

1. Temperature increases

2. Temperature remains constant

3. Temperature decreases

4. Humidity increases

The correct answer is: Temperature decreases

As air rises in the atmosphere, it undergoes a decrease in pressure, which causes it to expand. When gases, including air, expand, they typically do so in a manner that causes their temperature to drop. This phenomenon is known as adiabatic cooling, where the rising air loses heat as it expands, leading to a decrease in temperature. This cooling effect is crucial for various atmospheric processes, including cloud formation and weather patterns, as cooler air can hold less moisture, which can lead to condensation and the development of clouds and precipitation. Therefore, the understanding that temperature decreases as air rises and expands is essential for comprehending how weather systems operate. While the other options mention that temperature might increase, remain constant, or humidity increases, they do not accurately reflect the behavior of air in response to rising and expanding, which consistently leads to a decrease in temperature.