Consider the following statements regarding the Ionosphere: 1. It is located between 10 and 50 km above the surface. 2. It contains electrically charged particles known as ions. 3. Temperature in this layer increases with height. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Ionosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation. It is not a distinct thermal layer like the Troposphere or Stratosphere but is an electrified region extending through the upper Mesosphere and the Thermosphere. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The atmospheric layer located between 10 and 50 km above the surface is the Stratosphere. The Ionosphere extends from approximately 80 km to 400 km altitude. - Statement 2 is Correct. The Ionosphere contains electrically charged particles known as ions. High-energy solar photons strip electrons from gas atoms in this layer, creating a plasma of electrons and positive ions, which facilitates radio communication. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Ionosphere is primarily situated within the Thermosphere. In this layer, the temperature increases with height due to the absorption of intense solar ultraviolet and X-ray radiation by atomic oxygen and nitrogen. Temperatures can reach as high as 2,000°C or more in the upper Thermosphere. Key Takeaway: The Ionosphere is defined by its electrical properties (ionization) rather than temperature, but it coincides with the Thermosphere where temperature rises with altitude. It is located far above the Stratosphere (10-50 km).

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 1: Composition and Structure of Atmosphere

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Ionosphere:

It is located between 10 and 50 km above the surface.
It contains electrically charged particles known as ions.
Temperature in this layer increases with height.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1, 2 and 3
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Ionosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation. It is not a distinct thermal layer like the Troposphere or Stratosphere but is an electrified region extending through the upper Mesosphere and the Thermosphere.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The atmospheric layer located between 10 and 50 km above the surface is the Stratosphere. The Ionosphere extends from approximately 80 km to 400 km altitude.
Statement 2 is Correct. The Ionosphere contains electrically charged particles known as ions. High-energy solar photons strip electrons from gas atoms in this layer, creating a plasma of electrons and positive ions, which facilitates radio communication.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Ionosphere is primarily situated within the Thermosphere. In this layer, the temperature increases with height due to the absorption of intense solar ultraviolet and X-ray radiation by atomic oxygen and nitrogen. Temperatures can reach as high as 2,000°C or more in the upper Thermosphere.

Key Takeaway: The Ionosphere is defined by its electrical properties (ionization) rather than temperature, but it coincides with the Thermosphere where temperature rises with altitude. It is located far above the Stratosphere (10-50 km).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Composition and Structure of Atmosphere

Consider the following statements regarding the composition of the atmosphere: 1. The proportion of gases remains constant up to the highest layers of the atmosphere. 2. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere. 3. Nitrogen and Oxygen make up the bulk of the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following is the main reason for the rising volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding water vapour in the atmosphere: 1. It is a variable gas that increases with altitude. 2. It accounts for less than one % of the air by volume in the dry and cold polar regions. 3. It absorbs parts of the insolation from the sun and preserves the earth’s radiated heat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the composition of the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Oxygen is found in substantial quantities at heights above 120 km from the earth's surface. 2. Carbon dioxide is transparent to incoming solar radiation but opaque to outgoing terrestrial radiation. 3. Carbon dioxide and water vapour are found in uniform concentration up to the exosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which one of the following is the most likely reason for the higher concentration of dust particles in subtropical and temperate regions compared to equatorial regions?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 1: Composition and Structure of Atmosphere

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Geography chapters

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The atmospheric layer located between 10 and 50 km above the surface is the Stratosphere. The Ionosphere extends from approximately 80 km to 400 km altitude.
Statement 2 is Correct. The Ionosphere contains electrically charged particles known as ions. High-energy solar photons strip electrons from gas atoms in this layer, creating a plasma of electrons and positive ions, which facilitates radio communication.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Ionosphere is primarily situated within the Thermosphere. In this layer, the temperature increases with height due to the absorption of intense solar ultraviolet and X-ray radiation by atomic oxygen and nitrogen. Temperatures can reach as high as 2,000°C or more in the upper Thermosphere.