Concept:Air temperature in the troposphere decreases steadily with altitude at the environmental lapse rate of about 6.5∘C per 1000 metres.Explanation:For every 1000 metres of ascent, the temperature drops by 6.5∘C.The aeroplane climbs 4000 metres, so the total temperature decrease is:6.5∘C×10004000=6.5∘C×4=26∘CSubtract this drop from the ground surface temperature:40∘C−26∘C=14∘CHence, the surrounding temperature at the aeroplane's altitude is 14∘C.Answer:A. 14∘C