55. Which layer of the atmosphere is 12–50 km from the surface of Earth?
Answer: B
The layer of the atmosphere that is 12–50 km from the surface of Earth is the Stratosphere.
The Stratosphere is located between 12 and 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface, making it the correct answer to the question regarding atmospheric layers.
A) Troposphere
The Troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 12 kilometers. Therefore, it does not encompass the 12–50 km range specified in the question.
B) Stratosphere
The Stratosphere lies between 12 and 50 kilometers above the Earth, making it the correct choice. This layer is characterized by an increase in temperature with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer.
C) Thermosphere
The Thermosphere is located above the Stratosphere, starting around 50 kilometers and extending to about 600 kilometers. As such, it does not fit the specified range of 12–50 km.
D) Exosphere
The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, beginning at approximately 600 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Therefore, it is far beyond the 12–50 km range and is not the correct answer.
Conclusion
The Stratosphere is the only layer that fits the specified altitude range of 12–50 kilometers, distinguishing it from the Troposphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere, which occupy different altitude ranges. This clearly demonstrates why Option B is the definitive answer to the question.