Question 1 of 15 Which function is performed by Earth's atmosphere? A. Earth's temperature is raised and moderated by trapping in heat. B. Charged particles from the sun are prevented from reaching Earth. C. Ultraviolet rays are prevented from reaching the ozone layer. D. Magnetic charges from space are prevented from reaching Earth's surface.

## Step 1
The Earth's atmosphere performs several functions that are crucial for the survival of life on Earth. These functions include moderating the Earth's temperature, protecting the Earth from harmful solar radiation, and preventing harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the ozone layer.

## Step 2
Option A states that the Earth's atmosphere raises and moderates the Earth's temperature by trapping in heat. This is indeed one of the primary functions of the atmosphere. The atmosphere contains gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.

## Step 3
Option B suggests that the atmosphere prevents charged particles from the sun from reaching Earth. While the atmosphere does provide some protection against solar radiation, it is not the primary function of the atmosphere. The Earth's magnetic field is the main defense against charged particles from the sun.

## Step 4
Option C states that the atmosphere prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching the ozone layer. This is not accurate because the ozone layer is actually located within the atmosphere. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone (O3) molecules that absorb most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.

## Step 5
Option D suggests that the atmosphere prevents magnetic charges from space from reaching Earth's surface. This is not accurate because the Earth's magnetic field, not the atmosphere, is responsible for preventing magnetic charges from space from reaching the Earth's surface.