Above about 100 km, the high-energy portion of the Sun's radiation spectrum breaks downmolecules into atoms. What is this part of Earth's atmosphere called?
A)the troposphere
B)the stratosphere
C)the mesosphere
D)the ionosphere
E)the magnetosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high-energy radiation from the Sun breaks down molecules into atoms above 100 km in a region called the ionosphere. The part of Earth's atmosphere above 100 km where high-energy radiation from the Sun breaks down molecules into atoms is called the ionosphere. It is named so because the ionization of the atmospheric gases at this altitude creates a layer of ions that can reflect radio waves.

Above About 100 Km, the High-Energy Portion of the Sun's