Q:
Does atmospheric pressure increase or decrease with higher altitude?
A:
Quick Answer
Atmospheric pressure decreases as altitude increases. High altitudes contain less air molecules, resulting in lower air density, decreased temperatures and lower air pressure. High altitudes are typically found above sea level.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Atmospheric pressure is measured as the weight of the air above a surface. Atmospheric pressure is affected by gravity, which is strong at lower altitudes and weak at higher altitudes. Gravity at lower altitudes causes air molecules to be pulled together, increasing the atmospheric pressure as the air becomes more dense. Atmospheric pressure experiences a rapid decrease at 5.5 kilometers above sea level and continues its decrease at a slower rate as altitude increases.
Learn more about AtmosphereSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
Why does the atmosphere become less dense as altitude increases?
A: The atmosphere becomes less dense as altitude increases because there is less weight on the air molecules, making them less compressed. The air at lower al... 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:
Why does the air pressure change with altitude?
A: Air pressure changes with altitude because of issues related to gravity. Molecules have more weight the closer they are to the Earth and more of them move ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does atmospheric pressure affect the boiling point of a liquid?
A: An increase in atmospheric pressure raises the boiling point of a liquid by raising the vapor pressure of the water above the liquid. This increases the am... Full Answer >Filed Under:
