Question

Which of the following layers is electrically charged?

• A. Mesosphere
• B. Stratosphere
• C. Troposphere
• D. Ionosphere

Hint:

The ionosphere is crucial for long-distance radio communication because it can reflect radio waves back to Earth due to its electrical properties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The Ionosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere that is electrically charged. It contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons, making it conductive. This charged layer plays a key role in radio communication, as it reflects radio waves back to Earth. The other layers—mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere—do not exhibit the same electrical properties.
Step 1: Analyze the options.
(A) Mesosphere: This layer is located above the stratosphere but is not electrically charged in the way the ionosphere is.
(B) Stratosphere: The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, but it is not electrically charged.
(C) Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere and does not exhibit electrical properties.
(D) Ionosphere: This is the correct answer as it is the only layer of the atmosphere that is electrically charged, containing ions and free electrons.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The ionosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that is electrically charged, making (D) the correct answer.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(D) \, \text{Ionosphere}} \]