Adiabatic Warming occurs when

Adiabatic Warming occurs when

• A. Air sinks and compresses, temperature increases
• B. Air rises and expands, temperature decreases
• C. Air sinks and expands, temperature increases
• D. Air rises and compresses, temperature increases

Answer: (A)

Adiabatic warming happens when air sinks. As it moves downward, it experiences increasing surrounding pressure, which compresses the air. This compression raises the air’s internal energy, so its temperature increases even though no heat is gained from the environment. In contrast, when air rises, it expands and cools adiabatically, which is the opposite process.

Adiabatic warming happens when air sinks. As it moves downward, it experiences increasing surrounding pressure, which compresses the air. This compression raises the air’s internal energy, so its temperature increases even though no heat is gained from the environment. In contrast, when air rises, it expands and cools adiabatically, which is the opposite process.