Prelims 2024

Q. With reference to water vapour, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.
Select the answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: (a) 1 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper

Explanation : 

Statement 1: “It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.”

– Water vapor is indeed a gas in the atmosphere
– As altitude increases, both temperature and pressure decrease
– Cold air can hold less water vapor than warm air
– Therefore, water vapor concentration generally decreases with altitude
– This statement is CORRECT

Statement 2: “Its percentage is maximum at the poles.”

– Water vapor distribution is primarily dependent on temperature
– Warmer air can hold more water vapor than colder air
– The poles are the coldest regions on Earth
– Maximum water vapor content is found in warm, tropical regions near the equator
– The poles, being very cold, have very low water vapor content
– This statement is INCORRECT

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 1 only.

Check Demo Video

UPSC Factory

Master UPSC offline! 📚🎯 4000+ Prelims PYQs, Mains model answers, NCERT books, Syllabus tracker, topper notes, past papers.
Give it a try, you will love it !!💯

UPSC Factory for Android
Conquer UPSC offline! 🚀 PYQs (Prelims & Mains), Test Series, Syllabus Tracker.
Give it a try, you will love it 💯