Why does atmospheric pressure decrease more rapidly than linearly with altitude?
Added by Aurora W.
Step 1
** Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Sheh Lit Chang and 59 other Physics 101 Mechanics educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
Jacob F.
Why does the partial pressure of inspired oxygen decrease with increasing altitude if the % oxygen in inspired air is constant at different altitudes?
Sri K.
Explain why atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude (3 marks) Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude due to the decrease in the density of air molecules. As altitude increases, the number of air molecules above a given area decreases, leading to a decrease in the weight of the air column above that area. This decrease in weight results in a decrease in atmospheric pressure. The density of air molecules is directly related to atmospheric pressure. At lower altitudes, the air molecules are packed more closely together, resulting in a higher density and higher atmospheric pressure. As altitude increases, the air molecules become more spread out, leading to a lower density and lower atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the force of gravity also plays a role in the decrease in atmospheric pressure with increasing altitude. Gravity pulls the air molecules towards the Earth's surface, creating a force that compresses the air and increases its density at lower altitudes. As altitude increases, the force of gravity decreases, allowing the air molecules to spread out more and decreasing the density and pressure. Overall, the decrease in atmospheric pressure with increasing altitude is a result of the decrease in air molecule density and the weakening force of gravity.
Madhur L.
Recommended Textbooks
University Physics with Modern Physics
Physics: Principles with Applications
Fundamentals of Physics
Transcript
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD