Weather

5 free sample questions of the 74 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   What are the three ingredients for a thunderstorm?

   • A.High pressure, low humidity, cold air
   • B.Moisture, an unstable lapse rate, and a lifting mechanism
   • C.Rain, wind, and lightning
   • D.A front, low pressure, and a mountain
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Moisture, an unstable lapse rate, and a lifting mechanism

   Thunderstorm formation requires sufficient moisture, an unstable atmosphere, and a lifting mechanism (front, convection, terrain, convergence).

2. Question 2

   The three stages of a thunderstorm in order are:

   • A.Dissipating, Cumulus, Mature
   • B.Cumulus, Mature, Dissipating
   • C.Cumulus, Dissipating, Mature
   • D.Mature, Cumulus, Dissipating
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Cumulus, Mature, Dissipating

   Cumulus (updrafts only), Mature (up + downdrafts, most violent), Dissipating (mostly downdrafts).

3. Question 3

   Stable air is typically characterized by:

   • A.Cumuliform clouds, turbulence, good visibility
   • B.Stratiform clouds, smooth air, fog/haze, poor visibility
   • C.Thunderstorms
   • D.Clear skies and severe turbulence
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Stratiform clouds, smooth air, fog/haze, poor visibility

   Stable air resists vertical motion — stratus clouds, smooth conditions, steady precipitation, reduced visibility.

4. Question 4

   Radiation fog is most likely to form when:

   • A.Warm, moist air moves over a cold surface
   • B.Winds are strong after a front passes
   • C.Skies are clear, winds are calm, and air cools to its dewpoint overnight
   • D.Air rises over mountains
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: C. Skies are clear, winds are calm, and air cools to its dewpoint overnight

   Radiation fog: clear night, light winds, ground radiates heat; surface air cools below dewpoint.

5. Question 5

   Advection fog is caused by:

   • A.Cooling of the ground at night
   • B.Warm moist air moving over a colder surface
   • C.Air rising over terrain
   • D.Mixing of warm and cold fronts
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Warm moist air moving over a colder surface

   Advection fog forms when warm, moist air is transported horizontally over a colder surface — common along coastlines.

69 more Weather questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

Airworthy is an independent study aid based on the FAA Airman Certification Standards for the Private Pilot — Airplane knowledge test. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the FAA or any government agency.