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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
UNBC ENSC 201
LAB FINAL Sample Exam ANSWERS
Name:
Lab Section Time:
Student #:
Lab Instructor: Name:
Alias:
Chris Jackson
Total
_____
XXXX
SAMPLE ENSC 201 Lab Final Answers:

This exam consists of X questions on X pages; charts, formulas and constants are provided on the last
pages of this exam. Check you have a complete exam.

You have 80 minutes to do this exam. It is marked out of X marks and worth X% of your grade.

It is a closed book exam. Any detached pages must be stapled together. This exam is not returned to you,
but you can review it with the Senior Lab Instructor. Indicate an alias if you want to see your grade posted.

Calculators are allowed. Graphing / programmable calculators must be shown to the instructor before the
exam starts to demonstrate that the memory has been cleared.

Answer in the spaces provided. Use the reverse side if more space is needed.

SHOW ALL YOUR WORK TO GET FULL MARKS – AN ANSWER WITH LITTLE OR NO
INDICATION OF HOW IT WAS DETERMINED IS WORTH ZERO.
Notes on Sample Exam Answers: The questions below are a random selection of
questions used in labs or past exams. They don’t represent a complete summary of the types or weighting of
questions you might see on the final lab exam. Expect an exam that covers the entire terms lab work. For
calculations, you are expected to clearly show your work and include all units. The equation sheet is the same as the
one that will be given with the exam (as seen in some of these practice questions) additional constants/information
can be include with particular exam questions.
1) Give the concept/principles behind using a psychrometer to measure atmospheric humidity.
If the wet bulb temperature is 10 0C, and the air temperature is 15 0C, calculate the vapour
pressure and relative humidity. (5 marks)
Note this question has 2 parts:
Solution to first part: The concept behind measuring humidity with a psychrometer:
When the air is unsaturated, evaporation occurs as air flows over the wet wick of a wet-bulb
thermometer. Evaporation requires heat, which comes from the internal energy of the air. The
heat loss from the air, which provides the energy to evaporate water from the wet-bulb, can be
measured as a decrease in the temperature of the wet-bulb thermometer when compared with
the air temperature on the dry bulb. If the air is very dry (ie. far from saturation) there will be
more evaporation from the wet-bulb and the wet-bulb temperature will decrease more.
Psychrometry, through the psycrhometric equation, equates the loss of heat in the air (as
measured by the wet-bulb temperature decrease) with the latent heat required to evaporate
water from the wet-bulb.
Solution to second part: Calculating the vapour pressure (e) and RH: requires application of
the psychrometric equation (see below), and use of the e* vs T curve / graph from the humidity lab.
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
Determining e using the psychrometric equation:
e = e*(Tw) − λ(T − Tw)
here λ is the psychrometric constant = 66 Pa 0C-1 .
From the e* vs T graph, determine e* at Tw or e* at 10 0C = e*(10) = 12.3 hPa = 1230 Pa.
0
(To find this value use the Saturation vapour pressure curve (over water), find 10 C on the x-axis, follow 10
0
C and follow the graph vertically until it intersects the curve, and then follow the intersection point
horizontally to read the e* value on the y-axis.)
Using the e* value from the graph solve for e:
e = 1230 Pa – [66 Pa 0C-1 (15 0C -10 0C)] = 900 Pa
Determining RH:
The RH is the ratio of the actual vapour pressure to the saturation vapour pressure. The
saturation vapour pressure is found on the e* vs T graph this time using the air
temperature instead of the wet bulb temperature. So e* at T or e* at 15 0C = e*(15) = 17
hPa = 1700 Pa.
RH 
900 Pa
e
 100% 
 100%  53%
*
1700 Pa
e
2) A cool winter Canadian air mass with a temperature of -4 0C and a relative humidity of 91% meets
a warm air mass sweeping northward from Texas with a temperature of 17 0C and a relative
humidity of 26%. In the mixing process will the southern border of the Canadian air mass gain or
lose water vapour content? Show your method of determination and explain. (5 marks)
Solution: Since RH is highly dependent upon temperature (not just water vapour content)
we cannot tell from the RH alone which air mass (i.e. the Canadian or Texan) will actually
have more moisture. To determine this you need to find the vapour pressure (e -- the actual
amount of moisture for each air mass) as vapour pressure doesn’t vary with temperature.
Since you know the RH, and the air temperatures, you can use these to determine the
vapour pressures for each air mass. The air mass with the highest moisture content (i.e. e
value) will lose moisture when it mixes with a drier air mass.
For the Canadian air: From the e* vs T graph, e* at T= -4 0C or e*(-4) = 4.4 hPa = 440 Pa.
Rearranging RH 
e
 100% to solve for e we get: e = e* (RH)
e*
Solving for e for the Canadian air mass:
e = e* (RH)= (440 Pa)(0.91) = 400.4 Pa = 4 hPa
For the Texan air: From the e* vs T graph, e* at T= 17 0C or e*(17) = 19.4 hPa = 1940 Pa.
Rearranging RH 
e
 100% to solve for e we get: e = e* (RH)
e*
Solving for e for the Texan air mass:
e = e* (RH)= (1940 Pa)(0.26) = 504.4 Pa = 5 hPa
So the Texas air mass is actually more humid (i.e. has more moisture content) so when
they mix the southern part of Canadian air mass will increase in moisture.
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
3) To answer these refer to Figure 1.
Chris Jackson
Figure 1, Lab Final Review: Vancouver’s monthly averaged
annual energy budget.
a) Explain the rather anomalous dip
in the QE curve (and the related
rise in QH) during July and
August. (2 marks)
Solution: The QE dip in July and August
occurs because availability of water for
evapotranspiration is limited. There is no
longer enough moisture available for
evapotranspiration to meet its full
potential. Since Q* is still high, this
decrease in QE is utilized with an
increase in QH, which results because it
is drier and energy now goes into heating
the air.
b) How is it possible for the heat used in evapotranspiration (QE) to exceed the available net
radiation (Q*) in the September to February period? (2 marks)
∗
Solution: Energy used in evapotranspiration comes not only from radiation (Q ), but when
there is a deficit, the ground’s heat storage (negative or upward QG) and energy supplied via
sensible heat (negative QH or heat going from the air toward the surface) can provide energy for
evapotranspiration.
4) Answer on a tephigram.
a) Plot the data from the table below as two vertical profiles, one of T at each pressure level
and one of Td at each pressure level (2 marks) Solution: See following tephigram
b) Complete the table by adding the missing data for everything but the Stability column
(0.5 marks each; total 12 marks). Solution: See table below.
Pressure
P (hPa)
Temp.
T (°C)
1000
850
700
650
500
400
29
15
4
8
-11
-25
Dew pt.
Temp
Td(°C)
11
11
1
2
-19
-30
Wet bulb
Temp
Tw(°C)
19
12
2.5
4
-13
-27
Mixing
rat. r
(g/kg)
8.5
10
6
7
1.8
0.8
Saturation
mixing ratio
rs (g/kg)
25
14
7
10
3
1.7
rel. hum.
RH (%)
34
71
86
70
60
47
Question
e)
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4
Layer 5
Stability
n/a
conditionally unstable
conditionally unstable
stable (inversion)
conditionally unstable
conditionally unstable
c) On the vertical profile you have plotted, find the lifting condensation level (LC) for a
parcel lifted from the surface. (1 mark) Solution: The LCL is formed at 790 hPa
d) Continue to lift the now saturated parcel to where it crosses the environmental lapse rate
(ELR) again. (2 marks)
i) What is this level in hPa? Solution: It crosses the ELR again at 500 hPa
ii) On your tephigram, name it. Solution: See tephigram for LFC or Level of Free Convection
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
e) On the tephigam and table above, identify the stability of each layer. (3 marks)
Solution: See tephigram below and the stability column in the previous table.
5) Repeat the questions given in the midterm review.
Solutions: See midterm review sample questions and answers posted on the course website.
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
6) Using the plotted weather station information for a surface weather map (Figure given at the end
of this review), determine the: isobars at 4 hPa intervals (4 marks), identify any high (H) and/or
low (L) pressure areas (2 marks), and locate any associated fronts (3 marks). (total 9 marks)
Solution: The answer is the same as what was done for the weather lab. The L in red represents a
low pressure centre. Correct answers should show the 980 to 1008 hPa isobars and a cold and a warm
front which are correctly located and identified by their symbols. Note that to contour this properly you
need to add the appropriate leading digit and know where the decimal is for each station. Revist the lab
and its answers to review.
L
7) Given a temperature of 14 0C and a wet bulb temperature of 7 0C, find the following and explain
how you found them. (Do not use a tephigram to answer this question.) Be sure to show the units.
a) Vapour pressure and dew point temperature (3 marks)
Solution: Want the vapour pressure (e); and dew point temperature (Td )
Know: T = 14 0C
Tw = 7 0C
e = e*(Tw) - λ(T – Tw) where λ = 66 Pa 0C-1 and
e = e*(Td)
Determine vapour pressure using: e = e*(Tw) - λ(T – Tw) where λ = 66 Pa 0C-1
and from the saturation vapour pressure graph get e*(Tw) at 7 0C = 10 hPa or 1000 Pa
e = 1000 Pa - [66 Pa 0C-1 (14 0C – 7 0C)] = 538 Pa = 5.4 hPa
Determine Td using the e value above and the saturation vapour pressure curve but this
time reading it to get Td from e. (i.e. e = e*(Td))
An e at 5.4 hPa equals a Td of -1.5 0C
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
b) Saturation vapour pressure and relative humidity. (2 marks)
Solution: Determine e* from the saturation vapour pressure graph get e*(T) at 14 0C = 16 hPa
(this equals 1600 Pa)
Determine RH using e from question a) above and e*
RH 
e
5.4 hPa
 100% 
 100%  33.75%  34%
*
e
16 hPa
c) Which of the values in a) and b) can be used when comparing the air’s actual vapour content
between locations where temperature and moisture content might vary? Why? (3 marks)
Solution: Only e and Td of the humidity measures above (e, e*, Td or RH), can be used to
compare moisture content between areas with different temperature because neither of these
ways of determining humidity depends on temperature. The others depend on temperature
(i.e. the potential for moisture in the air (e*) rises and falls with temperature changes; and RH
changes with both moisture and temperature.)
d) Which of the values in a) and b) above could be used when comparing vapour content
between locations where elevation as well as moisture content might vary? (3 marks)
Solution: None of the above measure of humidity (e, e*, Td or RH) can be used to
compare moisture content in areas where elevation changes as pressure decreases with
increasing elevation and e and Td depend on pressure. (Not asked for but FYI – only
mixing ratio (r) is not dependent on pressure.)
8) Show your work on the tephigram.
a) Plot the data from the table below on the attached tephigram. This will result in a vertical
profile for T, and a plotted data point for Tw at 1000 hPa. (2 marks)
Solution: See the following tephigram for these answers.
Pressure
P (hPa)
Temp.
T (°C)
Dew pt. Temp
Td(°C)
1000
10
-2 C
600
-25
300
-30
0
Do not
complete
Do not
complete
Wet bulb Temp
Tw(°C)
5
Do not complete
Do not complete
Mixing rat. r
(g/kg)
3.5 g kg
Do not
complete
Do not
complete
-1
Saturation
mixing ratio rs
(g/kg)
7.8 g kg
Do not
complete
Do not
complete
-1
rel. hum.
RH (%)
45%
Do not
complete
Do not
complete
b) Use Normand’s rule to find: (2 marks)
i) the LCL for a parcel lifted from 1000 hPa Solution: The LCL occurs at 840 hPa
ii) Td at 1000 hPa Solution: Td at 1000 hPa = -2 0C
c) At 1000 hPa, find the following. For full marks, be sure to explain how you found each
of these and clearly show your method on the tephigram. (3 marks)
i) mixing ratio Solution: r at 1000 hPa = 3.5 g kg-1
ii) saturation mixing ratio Solution: rs at 1000 hPa = 7.8 g kg-1
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
iii) RH
Solution: RH 
Chris Jackson
r
3.5 g kg 1
 100% 
 100%  44.9%  45%
rs
7.8 g kg 1
d) For a parcel lifted from 1000 hPa find: (4 marks)
i) the level of free convection (LFC)
Solution: The LFC occurs at 780 hPa
ii) equilibrium level Solution: The equilibrium level occurs at 570 hPa
iii) the amount of moisture condensed during the ascent from the surface to the
equilibrium level Solution: The amount of moisture condensed = rinitial – rfinal =
3.5 g kg-1 – 0.9 g kg-1 = 2.6 g kg-1
7.8 g/kg
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
9) Explain how you might recognize the frontal passage of:
a) A warm front from the perspective of a person at a location where the front is passing
over? (3 marks)
Solution: Initially the observer would see cirrus clouds increasing in amount and density
followed by altostratus which would become status clouds that are thicker and closer to the
ground and gradually precipitation would start from nimbostratus clouds. Steady winds would
gradually increase from the east or southeast and switch to south or south west as the front
passes. Temperatures would warm as the front passes. (Pressure would drop as the front
passes but this wouldn’t be visible to a ground observer so not really a good answer here.)
b) A cold front from a weather chart? In your answer make sure to indicate the type of chart
you are using. (3 marks) Assume that the cold front symbols aren’t on the chart.
Solution: The type of chart is a surface weather map. A cold front on a surface weather map
is indicated by the cold front symbols on the chart (but you are to assume this isn’t given). On a
surface weather map a cold front is identified by the winds shifting (usually from south or south
west to north or north west), a temperature decrease, a pattern of cumulus type clouds
associated with a front, and a pressure decrease and then increase as the front passes.
c) Sketch a cross-section diagram (not an actual cross-section) through a low pressure
system that represents the types of weather features you expect to see along the cross
section. Make sure to appropriately label it. (10 marks)
Solution:
10) If the height of a water column in a water barometer is 9.70 m and the water temperature is
210C, what is the pressure at that location? (4 marks)
The density of water (ρw) at various temperatures is:
Temperature (°C)
15
17
19
21
23
25
-3
Density - ρw (kg m )
999.099 998.774 998.405 997.992 997.538 997.044
Solution: Want to determine the pressure from a water barometer
Know: Pa = w g Zw + e*(T)
where: w = density of water for 21 0C = 997.992 kg m-3 (from the table above)
g = gravity = 9.80665 m s-2 (from the equation sheet)
e*(T) at 21 0C = 25 hPa = 2500 Pa (from the saturation vapour pressure curve)
Zw = 9.70 m (given in the question above)
8
Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
To get these units to make
sense and complete the addition
you need to realize that
1 kg m-1 s-2 = 1 Pascal (Pa)
Pa = w g Zw + e*(T)
= (997.992 kg m-3)(9.80665 m s-2)(9.70 m) +2500 Pa
= 94933.495 (kg m-3)(m s-2)(m) + 2500Pa = 94933.495 (kg m-1 s-2) + 2500Pa
= 94933.495 Pa + 2500 Pa
= 97433.5 Pa
= 974.335 hPa = 974 hPa
11) Answer all parts: A spherical alien spaceship has entered orbit around the earth, 3.0 x 107
m above the earth’s surface. The spaceship has a radius of 1 km and a surface temperature
of 3000 K. It is a radiative “black-body”.
Solution: Though it may not seem like it, this question is similar to one from the radiation lab
where you determined the solar constant. For this problem it may help to draw a picture of the
situation in this problem as this will enable you to understand the what you are being told.
a) What is the flux density (W m-2) leaving the spaceship’s surface? (2 marks)
S = spaceship in orbit around Earth. Spaceship’s radius is 1 km. Spaceship’s temperature = 3000 K
S
Earth
Radius from spaceship orbit to Earth = 3.0 x 107 m
Solution: Want to determine the flux density (Wm-2) leaving the spaceship’s surface.
Know E = σ T4 and know the space ship’s temperature
So: Espaceship = (5.67 x 10-8 Wm-2 K-4) (3000 K)4 = (5.67 x 10-8 Wm-2 K-4) (8.1 x 1013 K4)
= 4.59 x 106 Wm-2
b) What is the total flux (W) emitted by the spacecraft? (2 marks)
Solution:
Total fluxspaceship = (Espaceship)(Area of the spaceship)
Area of the spaceship = 4r2 where the spaceship’s radius = 1 km
Area of the spaceship = 4(1 km)2 = 4(1000 m)2 = 1.26 x 107 m2
So: Total fluxspaceship = (4.59 x 106 Wm-2)( 1.26 x 107 m2) = 5.78 x 1013 W
c) What is the flux density (W m-2) reaching the earth’s surface from the spacecraft,
ignoring the effects the atmosphere might have on attenuating this radiation? (2 marks)
Solution:
Flux density reaching
= Total fluxspaceship
the earth’s surface
Surface area of shell at the radius of the spaceship to Earth orbit
from the spaceship
13
13
-3
-2
Flux density reaching = 5.78 x 1013 W
= 5.78 x 10 W = 5.78 x 10 W = 5.11 x 10 Wm
the earth’s surface
2
7 2
2
16
2
4r for the radius of the spaceship to Earth orbit 4(3 x 10 ) m
1.13 x 10 m
from the spaceship
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
d) How does this value compare to the solar constant? Would you be worried about the
intensity of this radiation? Explain. (2 marks)
Solution: The flux density reaching the earth from the spaceship is very small (5.11 x 10-3
Wm-2) when compared to the solar constant which is 1367 Wm-2.
Unless this spaceship emits a very harmful unknown type of radiation that hurts at very low
intensities this should not be a problem as the spaceship’s temperature of 3000 K indicates
this radiation should be in between long and short wave radiation.
e) BONUS QUESTION: What is the wavelength of maximum emission from the alien
spacecraft? (2 marks)
Solution:
2.88  103 m K 2.88  103 m K

 9.6  10 7 m
λmax =
T
3000 K
12) Revisit the midterm exam for additional questions.
Solution: The lab exam was reviewed when returned; No posted answers are available. See your lab
instructor with your questions regarding the midterm. (This year particularly question #2 was poorly
done by the class. Clarify your particular questions/issues with an instructor.)
13) Review Lab 0 questions not done previously – particularly the converting (Q #6) and contouring
questions (Q #9).
Solution: See the posted answers for Lab 0 (posted on the website).
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Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
Lab Exam Constants and Formulas:
Distance from the earth to the moon: 3.84 x 10 8 m
Distance from Earth to Sun: 1.50 x 10 11 m
Distance from Mercury to the sun: 5.79 x 1010 m
~ air density: air = 1.2 kg m-3
mercury density at 00C: Hg = 13595.1 kg m-3
g = 9.80665 m s-2
Radius of the sun: 7x108 m
Radius of the earth: 6.37 x 106 m
Surface Area of a circle =  r 2
Surface Area of a sphere = 4  r 2
Solar flux: 3.865 x 1026 W
1 nautical mile = 1852 m
σ = 5.67 x 10 -8 W m-2 K-4
LV = 2.5 x 106 J kg-1
E of 1 mm h-1 is equivalent to QE of 680 W m-2
00C = 273.15 K
Solar constant: 1367 W m-2
K = °C + 273.15
Kirchoff’s Law: aλ = Єλ
2.88  10 3 m K
Wein’s Law: λmax =
T
E = σ T4 where Є =1 as
~ water density: water = 1000 kg m-3
E = Є σ T4
Q* = K* + L*
Q* = K ↓- K ↑ + L ↓- L ↑
L* = L↓ - L↑
C
0
0
5(0F  32)
9
9

F   (0C )  32
5

I = Io cos Z
cos Z = sinø sinδ + cosø cosδ cosh
K* = K↓- K↑ = [K↓ (1 –α)]
L* = L↓ - σT04

K
K
Q * = QH + QE + QG
P = E t + r + ∆S
Q E = L v Et
Q
 H
QE
Pa = w g Zw + e*(T)
PL = L g ZL
g Z p
VG 
f N
   23.4 cos (
360(TJ  10)
365
)
e = v Rv T where Rv = 462 J kg-1 K-1
-1
e = d Rd T where Rd = 287 J kg K
-1
(for water vapour)
(for dry air)
vpd = (e*(T) – e)
e = e*(Td)
e = e*(Tw) - λ(T-Tw) where λ = 66 Pa 0C-1 (over water)
e = e*(Tw) - λ(T-Tw) where λ = 58.2 Pa 0C-1 (over ice)
r
0.622  e
g
 1000
Pe
kg
RH 
e
*
(T )
e
100% 
r
100%
rs
f = 2sin ø where  = 7.27 x 10-5 s-1
11
Appendix D.2: UNBC ENSC 201 SAMPLE FINAL LAB EXAM ANSWERS FOR STUDENT PRACTICE
Chris Jackson
12