Question 55

The layer of the atmosphere that is 12–50 km from the surface of Earth is the Stratosphere.

The Stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, located above the Troposphere and below the Mesosphere, spanning from approximately 12 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

A) Troposphere

The Troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 12 kilometers. Since the question specifically asks for the layer between 12 and 50 kilometers, the Troposphere is not the correct answer as it does not reach the specified altitude range.

B) Stratosphere

The Stratosphere is correctly identified as the layer that extends from approximately 12 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This layer is characterized by temperature inversion and is where the ozone layer is located, making it the right choice for the provided altitude range.

C) Thermosphere

The Thermosphere lies above the Stratosphere, starting at about 80 kilometers and extending to several hundred kilometers above the Earth's surface. Therefore, it is not the correct answer because it is positioned well above the specified altitude range of 12 to 50 kilometers.

D) Exosphere

The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, starting at about 600 kilometers above the surface and extending to around 10,000 kilometers. Since this layer is far above the 12 to 50 kilometer range, it cannot be the correct answer.

Conclusion

The Stratosphere is the only layer that fits the specified altitude range of 12 to 50 kilometers, making it the definitive correct answer. The other options are either too low or too high in altitude, which disqualifies them from being correct in this context.