Question

Explain why (a) there is no atmosphere on moon. (b)there is fall in temperature with altitude. ​

Answer 1

Answer:

a) The moon doesn't have an atmosphere because the magnetic field is weak on the surface of the moon. Since the surface of the moon doesn't absorb a measurable quantity of radiation the gas molecules are lost into space. The surroundings of the moon are vacuum.

b) As you increase in elevation, there is less air above you thus the pressure decreases. As the pressure decreases, air molecules spread out further (i.e. air expands), and the temperature decreases.

Answer 2

Compared to the Earth, the moon is about 1/4th the size. This reduces the amount of gravity on the moon. Strong gravity is needed to hold an atmosphere into place. With weak gravity, gases that are emitted from the surface quickly are lost to outer space.