S115 - Mod 3
In general, should atmospheric pressure increase or decrease as altitude increases?
your Answer: In general, atmospheric pressure should increase as altitude increases because there is less air above a person weighing down on them. Correct Answer: In general, atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. Think of atmospheric pressure as the weight of air pressing down on what it touches. As you increase altitude, there is less air above you. As a result, there is less weight pressing down on you.
The average, sea-level value for atmospheric pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch, which is the same as 29.9 inches of mercury. If the atmospheric pressure is 0.85 atms, which of the following values would correspond to atmospheric pressure as reported in a weather report? 31.1 inches of mercury, 29.9 inches of mercury, 25.4 inches of mercury
25.4 inches of mercury would correspond to 85 atms as reported in a weather report.
A __________ measures atmospheric pressure. It is composed of a tube with no ____ inside that is inverted over a pool of __________, which is usually mercury. Since the __________ is pressing down on the pool, and since there is no air exerting __________ inside the tube, __________ is forced up the tube. The __________ of the liquid in the tube is a measure of the ____________________.
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure. It is composed of a tube with no air inside that is inverted over a pool of liquid, which is usually mercury. Since the atmosphere is pressing down of the pool, and since there is no air exerting pressure inside the tube, the liquid is forced up the tube. The level of the liquid in the tube is a measure of the barometric pressure.
Define the following terms: a. Atmosphere b. Barometer c. Homosphere d. Heterosphere e. Jet streams f. Heat g. Temperature
A. The mass of air surrounding a planet. B. An instrument used to measure barometric pressure. C. The lower part of the atmosphere, getting its name from the fact that its chemical composition is uniform throughout. D. The upper part of the atmosphere, getting its name from the fact that its chemical composition varies at different altitiudes. E. Narrow bands of high speed winds that circle the earth. F. Heat is energy that is transferred as a result of temperature differences. Temperature is the average energy of molecules.
Define the following terms: a. Atmosphere b. Atmospheric pressure c. Barometer d. Homosphere e. Heterosphere f. Troposphere g. Stratosphere h. Mesosphere i. Jet streams j. Heat k. Temperature l. Thermosphere m. Exosphere n. Ionosphere
A. The mass of air surrounding a planet. B. The amount of pressure exerted on all things within an atmosphere. C. A tool used to judge the air pressure. D. The lower layer of earth's atmosphere, which exists from ground level to roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) above sea level E. Heterosphere - The upper layer of earth's atmosphere, which exists higher than roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) above sea level F. Troposphere - The region of the atmosphere that extends from ground level to roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) above sea level G. Stratosphere - The region of the atmosphere that spans altitudes of roughly 11 kilometers to 48 kilometers (30 miles) and contains the Ozone layer. H. Mesosphere - The region of the atmosphere that spans altitudes of roughly 48 kilometers to 80 kilometers (50 miles) I. Jet streams - Narrow bands of high-speed winds that circle the earth, blowing from west to east J. Heat - Energy that is transferred as a consequence of temperature difference K. The speed at which molecules move. l. Thermosphere - The region of the atmosphere between altitudes of roughly 80 kilometers and 460 kilometers M. Exosphere - The region of the atmosphere above an altitude of roughly 460 kilometers N. Ionosphere - The region of the atmosphere between the altitudes of roughly 65 kilometers and 330 kilometers, where the gases are ionized
Name the three regions of the homosphere, from lowest to highest.
As a result, we can further divide the homosphere into three regions: the troposphere (troh' puh sfear), thestratosphere (stra' tuh sfear), and the mesosphere
Suppose the earth's atmosphere contained twice the number of molecules it does today. Would atmospheric pressure be greater than, equal to, or less than it is now?
Atmospheric pressure would be greater than it is now as atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of the molecules in the air, thus, if you increase the number of molecules in the air, the atmospheric pressure will increase.
Between the upper portions of the __________ and the lower portions of the __________, there is a region where the atmosphere's gases are ionized. It is called the __________. Atoms are composed of _________ (which have positive electrical charge), __________ (which have negative electrical charge), and __________ (which have no electrical charge). Atoms always have the same number of __________ and __________. This means that overall, atoms have no net __________. When an atom loses (or gains) electrons, there is an __________ of positive and negative charges, and the atom becomes __________. When this happens, it is no longer an atom, but is instead an ____.
Between the upper portions of the mesosphere and the lower portions of the thermosphere, there is a region where the atmosphere's gases are ionized. It is called the ionosphere. Atoms are composed of protons (which have positive electrical charge), electrons (which have negative electrical charge), and neutrons (which have no electrical charge). Atoms always have the same number of protons and electrons. This means that overall, atoms have no net electrical charge. When an atom loses (or gains) electrons, there is an imbalance of positive and negative charges, and the atom becomes ionized. When this happens, it is no longer an atom, but is instead an ion.
What makes it possible for CFCs to travel up to the ozone layer and begin destroying ozone?
CFCs are only able to float up to the ozone layer during the few months the polar vortex is happening, CFCs are also relatively inert so they don't interact with the molecule below the ozone layer.
Even though human civilization is responsible for less than 1% of all chlorine in the atmosphere, it is responsible for 80% of all ozone-destroying chlorine. Why?
Human civilization is responsible for 80% of ozone-destroying chlorine, because while it only produces 1% of chlorine in the atmosphere, the chlorine it does produce is relatively inert so it's able to float up to the ozone layer and destroy the ozone molecules.
Choose your answers to problems 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 from the regions of the atmosphere listed below: Regions of the atmopshere: exosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, troposphere
Hurp Durp
If a sample of air is predominately oxygen, did it most likely come from the homosphere or the heterosphere?
If a sample of air is predominately oxygen, it most likely came from the heterosphere, because the level of oxygen in the homosphere is only 21%.
Suppose there were a layer of carbon dioxide gas in the mesosphere. What would happen to the temperature gradient in that region?
If there was a layer of carbon dioxide gas in the mesosphere, then that portion of the mesosphere would warm because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Thus, the temperature gradient would reverse in the layer of carbon dioxide gas.
If you want to study the ozone layer, which region of the atmosphere would you study?
If you want to study the ozone layer, you would study the stratosphere.
If you want to study weather, which region of the atmosphere would you study
If you want to study weather, you would study the troposphere.
In Experiment 3.1, the cans were filled with steam that turned into _____________ when the cans were put in ice water. The upright can did not crumple, however, because the steam was replaced with ___ that continued to exert __________ on the inside of the can. The can placed _____________ in the water did crumple, however, because ____ could not replace the steam, so very little __________ was being exerted inside the can.
In experiment 3.1, the cans were filled with steam that turned into water when the cans were put in ice water. The upright can did not crumple, however, because the steam was replaced with air that continued to exert pressure on the inside of the can. The can placed upside-down in the water did crumple, however, because air could not replace the steam, so very little pressure was being exerted on the can.
In the stratosphere, the temperature __________ with increasing altitude. This is mostly due to the _______________, which is found there. In the mesosphere, the temperature __________ with increasing altitude. When rocks from outer space fall into the mesosphere and burn up, they are called __________.
In the stratosphere, the temperature increases with increasing altitude. This is mostly due to the ozone layer, which is found there. In the mesosphere, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude. When rocks fall into the mesosphere and burn up, they are called meteors.
In the troposphere, the temperature steadily __________ with increasing altitude. This is called the temperature __________ of the troposphere. The troposphere is often called earth's ________ layer, because it contains almost all of earth's clouds, rain, snow, storms, etc
In the troposphere, the temperature steadily decreases with increasing altitude. This is called the temperature gradient of the troposphere. The troposphere is often called earth's weather layer, because it contains almost all of earth's clouds, rain, snow, storms, etc
Where is the ionosphere, and what makes it useful to us?
Ionosphere - The region of the atmosphere between the altitudes of roughly 65 kilometers and 330 kilometers, where the gases are ionized The ionosphere is useful to us because we bounce shortwave radio signals off of it to increase the distance they can travel.
We all know that ice melts because of heat. Why is it correct to say that ice also freezes because of heat?
It is correct to say ice freezes because of heat because heat is not a measure of temperature, but a measure of energy transferred because of temperature differences.
Those who are for the CFC ban claim that skin cancer rates have increased in Australia as a result of the "ozone hole." Although skin cancer rates have increased in Australia (and around the world), why is it hard to believe that the increase is a result of the ozone hole?
It is hard to believe that the increase is a result of the ozone hole because the ozone hole resides over Antartica where very few people live, and thus, shouldn't affect other parts of the world. Correct Answer: The ozone "hole" is centered over Antarctica, and it exists for only a short time. Although the edges of the ozone hole sometimes reach to Australia, it is hard to understand how the very edges of the hole can have a measurable effect on the population, especially since it exists for only a few months out of the year. In addition, since skin cancer rates are increasing around the world, there are obviously other reasons for skin cancer increases, because the ozone "hole" can only affect people who live near Antarctica.
Narrow bands of high-speed winds that circle the earth, blowing from west to east are called _______________. They are found in the _______ portions of the stratosphere and the _______ portions of the troposphere. They tend to ________ storms and affect which parts of the earth experience high _____________ or low ___________________.
Narrow bands of high-speed winds that circle the earth, blowing from west to east are called jet streams. They are found in the lower portions of the stratosphere and the upper portions of the troposphere. They tend to cause storms and affect which parts of the earth experience high pressure or low pressure.
In what region(s) of the homosphere does temperature increase with increasing altitude?
Temperature increases with increasing altitude in the stratosphere.
If you were able to measure the speed of the molecules in the air while you were traveling up through the troposphere, would the speed of the molecules increase, decrease, or stay the same as your altitude increased?
Temperature is the average speed of molecules. Temperature decreases with increasing altitude in the troposphere, thus the speed of molecules in the air as you travelled up through the troposphere would decrease.
The "hole" in the ozone layer is actually a seasonal __________ in the concentration of ozone in the ozone layer. It is centered over __________. Human-made substances called ___________________ are at least partially to blame. Unlike many chemicals, they are so __________ that they can survive the trip up to the ozone layer, where they can destroy ozone. Interestingly enough, this same property makes them __________ to human beings. They are very efficient chemicals that can be used for __________, __________, and ___________________. Despite their usefulness, their elimination has been called for by the _________________. This will, mostly likely, cause an __________ in the number of people who die each year.
The "hole" in the ozone layer is actually a seasonal reduction in the concentration of ozone in the ozone layer. It is centered over Antartica. Human-made substances called CFCs are at least partially to blame. Unlike many chemicals, they are so inert that they can survive the trip up to the ozone layer, where the can destroy ozone. Interestingly enough, this same property makes them not-toxic to human beings. They are very efficient chemicals that can be used for cleaning surgical equipment, refrigeration, and firefighting. Despite their usefulness, their elimination has been for by the world. This will, most likely, cause an increase in the number of people who die each year.
The heterosphere is generally divided into two layers: the __________ and the __________. While the ______________ is lower than the __________, they can both be considered a part of outer space. The number of molecules __________ is so small that a thermometer would read incredibly low temperatures. However, the average ________ of the few molecules that are there is very ______. The __________ is composed of those atoms and molecules actually in orbit around the _________. It is difficult to say where the __________ ends and interplanetary space begins.
The heterosphere is generally divided into two layers: The thermosphere and the exosphere. While the thermosphere is lower than the exosphere, they can both be considered a part of outer space. The number of molecules in the thermosphere is so small that a thermometer would read incredibly low temperatures. However the average energy of the few molecules is very high. The exosphere is composed of those atoms and molecules actually in orbit around the earth. It is difficult to say where the atmosphere ends and interplanetary space begins.
The "hole" in the ozone layer was discovered _____________ CFCs were widely used. However, since the production of CFCs, the "hole" has gotten "__________." Although CFCs are heavy, they are lifted up to the ozone layer by the ____________. This is why the ozone "hole" is a __________ phenomenon and why it is centered over __________. While the elimination of CFCs will __________ the depth of the ozone "hole," it will most likely ________ more lives than it will save. The ozone "hole" does not contribute to ______________. In fact, a reduction in the amount of ozone in the ozone layer will __________ the average temperature of the earth.
The "hole" in the ozone layer was discovered before CFCs were widely used. However, since the production of CFCs, the "hole" has gotten "deeper." Although CFCs are heavy, they are lifted up to the ozone layer by the polar vortex. This is why the ozone "hole" is a seasonal phenomenon and why it is centered over Antarctica. While the elimination of CFCs will reduce the depth of the ozone "hole" it will most likely cause more lives than it will save. The ozone "hole" does not contribute to global warming. In fact, a reduction in the amount of ozone in the ozone layer will reduce the average temperature of the earth.
Why is the "ozone hole" a seasonal phenomenon that exists mostly at the South Pole?
The "ozone hole" only occurs around the south pole because the only winds strong enough to push the CFCs into the ozone layer occur during the polar vortex around Antarctica.
The Northern Lights and Southern Lights are examples of __________. They appear in the night sky as glowing regions of brilliant ________ that tend to move over the sky in interesting ways. They are the result of high-energy __________ between ionized particles in the __________.
The Northern Lights and Southern Lights are examples of auroras. They appear in the night sky as glowing regions of brilliant lights that tend to move over the sky in interesting ways. They are the result of high-energy interactions between ionized particles in the ionosphere.
The atmosphere can be divided into two general layers. The __________ is the lower layer, and it contains air that has the same __________ as the air at sea level. The upper layer is called the __________, and the mixture of gases in this layer is not __________. Throughout both layers, however, the total amount of air __________ with increasing altitude
The atmosphere can be divided into two general layers. The homosphere is the lower layer, and it contains air that has the same composition as the air at sea level. The upper layer is called the heterosphere, and the mixture of gases in this layer is not uniform. Throughout both layers, however, the total amount of air decreases with increasing altitude
Why will the ban on CFCs most likely not save or improve people's lives?
The ban on CFCs will most likely not save or improve people's lives because the ozone "hole" caused by CFCs only appears a few months of the year and only affects Antarctica where few people live.
Why will the ban on CFCs most likely result in a tragic loss of human life?
The ban on CFCs will most likely result in a tragic loss of human life because CFCs are the most efficient chemical used to fight fires, refrigerate perishable food, and clean surgical equipment. Thus, if CFCs are banned, many people will die because those important practices will be less efficient.
Two vials contain air samples taken at different altitudes. The first is composed of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other. The second is 95% helium, 4% hydrogen, and 1% other. Which came from the homosphere?
The first vial came from the homosphere, because the air composition matches that of the homophere's
A barometer develops a leak in the column which is supposed to be free of air. As air seeps into the column, what will happen to the height of the liquid in that column?
The height of the liquid will lower as air begins to push in on it.
The homosphere is generally divided into three regions. From lowest to highest, they are the __________, the __________, and the __________. The first two layers are separated by the __________; the second two are separated by the __________, and the last layer is separated from the heterosphere by the __________. Throughout all of these regions, as well as the heterosphere, the atmospheric pressure continually __________ with increasing altitude.
The homosphere is generally divided into three regions. From lowest to highest, they are troposphere, the stratosphere, and the mesosphere. The first two layers are separated by the tropopause; the second two are separated by the stratopause, and the last layer is separated from the heterosphere by the mesopause. Throughout all of these regions, as well as the heterosphere, the atmospheric pressure continually decreases with increasing pressure.
The mass of air surrounding a planet is called its __________. Everything that comes into contact with the mass of air surrounding the earth is subjected to ________________, which is, on average, 14.7 pounds per square inch at sea level. Even though this is a lot of pressure, we don't feel it, because _______ pressure pushes on you from all sides, even from within.
The mass of air surrounding a planet is called its atmosphere. Everything that comes into contact with the mass of air surrounding the earth is subjected to barometric pressure, which is, on average, 14.7 pounds per square inch a sea level. Even though this is a lot of pressure, we don't feel it, because equal pressure pushes on you from all sides, even from within.
If an airplane travels at altitudes of over 4 kilometers, it is required to have a special oxygen supply for the pilot. As you just learned, however, that altitude is well within the homosphere, where the air is 21% oxygen. Why, then, does the pilot need a special oxygen supply at this altitude?
The pilot needs a special oxygen supply at 4 kilometers because even though the air is 21% oxygen, there is less total air. Correct Answer: Even though the air is 21% oxygen, there is a lot less air at that altitude. Remember, there is less and less air the higher you go. Since there is less and less air, there is less and less oxygen as well. In other words, 21% of a small amount of air is a small amount of oxygen, which means you might not get the oxygen you need at that altitude.
A plane is experiencing a lot of problems because of a storm in the area. Is the plane flying in the troposphere or the stratosphere?
The plane is flying in the troposphere because almost no weather phenomena occur in the stratosphere.
Two students make two different barometers. Although they are placed side by side so that they are both exposed to exactly the same atmospheric pressure, the column of liquid in the first student's barometer is significantly lower than the column of water in the second student's barometer. Assuming both students made their barometers correctly, what explains the difference?
The reason the level the barometer reads with the unidentified liquid is lower is because the liquid is denser than water.
A scientist has two vials of ammonia gas. She tells you that in the first vial, the gas molecules are traveling with an average speed of 1,000 miles per hour. In the second vial, they are traveling with an average speed of 1,300 miles per hour. Which vial contains the gas with the higher temperature?
The second vial has the higher temperature because temperature is the speed at which molecules move.
Which regions of the atmosphere are in the heterosphere
The thermosphere and exosphere are in the heterosphere.
Which regions of the atmosphere are in the homosphere?
The troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere are in the homosphere.
Although the temperature gradient changes from region to region in the homosphere, there is one gradient that stays the same. It continues to decrease as you increase in altitude, no matter where you are in the homosphere. To what gradient am I referring?
The unit that decreases with altitude no matter where you are in the homosphere is atmospheric pressure.
When energy is transferred as a consequence of temperature differences, we call it ______. When an object gains energy, the _____________________ that make it up move faster. A _____________ really measures the average speed at which the ___________________ of a substance are moving. As a result, temperature is a measure of the __________of ______________ in a substance's __________ __________.
When energy is transferred as consequence of temperature differences, we call it heat. When an object gains energy, the molecules that make it up move faster. A thermometer really measures the average speed at which the molecules of a substance are moving. As a result, temperature is a measure of the energy of random motion in a substance's molecules
When measuring atmospheric pressure, several units can be used. ____________________ tells you how many pounds are exerted on an 1-inch by 1-inch square. When reported in _______, it tells you the height of a column of mercury in a barometer, in English units. When reported in _________, it tells you the height of the column of mercury in metric units. Finally, pressure can also be reported in ______, which tells you the pressure relative to earth's average atmospheric pressure at sea level.
When measuring atmospheric pressure, several units can be used. Psi tells you how many pounds are exerted on a 1-inch by 1-inch square. When reported in inches, it tells you the height of a column of mercury in a barometer, in English units. When reported in mmHg, it tells you the height of the column of mercury in metric units. Finally, pressure can also be reported in atm, which tells you the pressure relative to earth's average atmospheric pressure at sea level.
As you are outside on a cold winter night, you begin to shiver from the cold. Your companion says that you are shivering from the heat. Is your companion correct? Why or why not?
Yes. Heat is energy transferred as a consequence of temperature differences. When cold air hits your skin, the heat from your skin warms the air, so you become colder as your skin loses energy. Thus, you do in fact feel cold because of heat.
You are reading the data coming from a data-gathering balloon as it rises in the atmosphere. You have no idea what altitude it is at, but the balloon is sending a signal from its thermometer, telling you the temperature of its surroundings. How will you know when the balloon enters the stratosphere? How will you know when it enters the mesosphere?
You will know the weather balloon has entered the stratosphere because the temperature will begin to increase. The opposite is true when the balloon enters the mesosphere.
The atmospheric pressure is 1.1 atm. Which of the following values for atmospheric pressure would you see in the weather report: 29.9 inches, 32.9 inches, or 28.1 inches?
Your Answer: 32.9 inches, because 29.9 is 1.0 Correct Answer: The atmospheric pressure will be reported as 32.9 inches. Remember, an atmospheric pressure of 1.0 atm means that atmospheric pressure is at its average sea-level value, which is the same as 29.9 inches of mercury. Since the atmospheric pressure is 1.1 atm, we know that it must be higher than its average sea-level value. The only number given that is greater than 29.9 inches of mercury is 32.9 inches of mercury.
Two cold bricks are put in contact with one another. The first one has a temperature of -1.00 degrees Celsius, and the other has a temperature of -10.00 degrees Celsius. Is there any heat in this two-block system?
Your Answer: Heat is energy that is transferred. There is energy in the bricks at -1.00 degrees Celcius and at -10.00 Celcius. Thus, there is heat in the two-block system. Correct Answer: There will be heat in this system, because energy will be transferred from the warmer brick to the colder brick. Despite the fact that both bricks are cold, one is warmer than the other. Thus, energy will flow from the warmer brick to the colder brick. Since heat is energy that is being transferred, heat is present!
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Suppose you were able to watch a sealed vial of water travel up through the homosphere. It would freeze once it got 5 to 7 kilometers high. Would the frozen water ever melt as the vial traveled farther up? If so, where would this happen?
Your Answer: If the water continued on it's path upwards through the atmosphere, it would thaw out near the stratopause. Correct Answer: The water will melt near the stratopause. Because of the change in the temperature gradient in the stratosphere, the vial will get warmer when it reaches the stratosphere. Near the top of the stratosphere, the temperature does creep above water's freezing point. At that point, the ice will melt
In chemistry, mixtures are classified as being either heterogeneous or homogeneous. Based on what you learned about the difference between the heterosphere and homosphere, classify milk as a heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture. What about Italian salad dressing?
Your Answer: Since milk is the same no matter where you get it from a container, it is homogeneous. Since Italian salad dressing can't possibly be blended together completely, it is heterogeneous. Correct Answer: Milk is a homogeneous mixture, while Italian salad dressing is a heterogeneous mixture. Think about it. The homosphere gets its name from the fact that the air composition is the same throughout. Milk has the same composition no matter what part of the container it comes from. Thus, it must be a homogeneous mixture. Italian salad dressing, however, has all these herbs and spices that tend to sink to the bottom. Thus, Italian salad dressing taken from the top of the bottle will be less spicy than that taken from the bottom of the bottle. Thus, Italian salad dressing does not have the same composition throughout the bottle and is therefore a heterogeneous mixture.
A thermometer reads 25.00 degrees Celsius. Suppose you put that thermometer into a liquid, and the thermometer reading increases to 80.17 degrees Celsius. A bright observer notes that the temperature of the substance was actually a tad higher than 80.17 degrees Celsius the instant the thermometer was placed in it. Is the observer correct? Why or why not?
Your Answer: The observer is correct. Because it takes energy to heat up the thermometer. Thus,the liquid must give off some of its heat in order to heat the thermometer. Correct Answer: The observer is correct. When the thermometer was put into the substance, some energy got transferred from the substance to the thermometer. That's what caused the liquid in the thermometer to rise. Since energy went into the thermometer's liquid, it left the substance. This resulted in some small amount of cooling. In other words, since the thermometer took a little energy from the substance, it cooled the substance slightly. Thus, the substance was slightly warmer the instant the thermometer was placed in it, and then it cooled as a result of transferring energy to the thermometer.
Those who are against the CFC ban point out that CFCs are four to eight times heavier than the nitrogen and oxygen in the air. As a result, they say, there is no way that CFCs can float up to the ozone layer. Why are they wrong?
Your Answer: The polar vortex causes winds strong enough to push the CFCs up to the ozone layer. Correct Answer: Under normal conditions, CFCs cannot rise to the ozone layer. In the polar vortex, however, the steady rush of wind pushes them up to the ozone layer with ease.
A supersonic jet travels in the stratosphere. If such a plane were flying over a region experiencing thunderstorms, how would the supersonic jet be affected?
Your Answer: The supersonic jet would not be affected by the thunderstorm if it were in the statosphere as there is very little water vapor in the statosphere. Correct Answer: The supersonic jet will not be significantly affected. Remember, the earth's weather occurs mostly in the troposphere. Since the stratosphere is above the troposphere, the supersonic jet will not be affected much by the weather.
Sometimes, disturbances in the sun's magnetic field can cause disturbances in the ionosphere. Suppose you were listening to an AM radio at the time of such a disturbance. Would you notice? What if you were listening to a shortwave radio transmission from another continent?
Your Answer: You would not notice the disturbance in the sun's magnetic field if you were listening to an AM radio as AM radios do not interact with the ionosphere. However, if you were listening to a shortwave radio, you would notice the disturbance because shortwave radios rely on the ionosphere to relay signals. Correct Answer: You will not really notice the disturbance while listening to the AM radio, but you will notice it while listening to the shortwave radio. Remember, short-wave radios bounce their signals off the ionosphere. A disturbance in the ionosphere will affect the shortwave radio's signal.