Q:
How Does Altitude Affect Air Pressure?
A:
Quick Answer
Altitude affects air pressure due to gravity. Gravity causes the pressure to increase or decrease based on the air's distance from sea level. Pressure decreases at higher altitudes.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Jordan Mansfield
Getty Images News
Getty Images
Full Answer
At higher altitudes, molecules in the air are less affected by gravity. This causes them to have less weight, facilitating their expansion. Molecules closer to the Earth's surface are pulled closer together due to gravity, which causes an increase in air pressure.
Molecules at lower altitudes are compressed under those from higher altitudes, also leading to greater air pressure. Temperatures at high altitudes are lower than those at sea level due to the expansion and distance of air molecules from each other.
Learn more about Motion & MechanicsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Happens to Air Pressure As Altitude Increases?
A: As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases. The surface of the earth is the bottom of an ocean of air. The layers on top increase pressure so that a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why Does Air Cool When It Rises Through the Atmosphere?
A: Air cools when it rises through the atmosphere because as altitude increases, air pressure decreases and allows the individual air molecules to expand away... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Does Gravity Affect Flight?
A: Gravity pulls objects downward, toward the Earth’s center, so anything that flies must counteract gravity’s pull. Using forward thrust and the lift provide... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Does the Angle of a Ramp Affect Speed?
A: According to Education.com, the pull of gravity acts more on an object rolling down a ramp inclined at a steeper angle, hence causing it to accelerate and ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
How Does Gravity Affect Weight?
-
Q:
What Were Sir Isaac Newton's Interests?
-
Q:
What Are Some Steel Pipe Pressure Limitations?
-
Q:
What Is the Name of the Force Exerted by a Fluid on Objects Immersed in It?
-
Q:
How Do You Lower Blood Pressure Without Medication?
-
Q:
Why Would You Perform a Rubber Band Energy Experiment?
