Atmospheric Pressure

• What is the Earth's atmosphere primarily made of?

  Nitrogen
• Why is oxygen important in the atmosphere?

  It allows us to breathe
• What role do greenhouse gases play in the atmosphere?

  They keep the planet warm
• What does the ozone layer do?

  It keeps out harmful radiation
• Where is the density of gas particles highest in the atmosphere?

  Near the Earth's surface
• How does atmospheric pressure change with elevation?

  It decreases as elevation increases
• What happens to the number of air particles around an object as it rises to 1,000 meters?

  There are fewer air particles around it
• Why does an object at sea level experience more pressure than one at 1,000 meters?

  It has more air particles colliding with it
• How does the pressure equation relate to atmospheric pressure?

  More collisions create a greater force, increasing pressure
• What contributes to the pressure experienced by an object at sea level?

  The weight of gas particles above it
• Why do mountain climbers need oxygen cylinders?

  The air is too thin to breathe
• What are the main factors affecting atmospheric pressure?

  • Density of gas particles
  • Weight of gas particles above
  • Elevation above sea level
• How does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

  • Pressure decreases with increasing altitude
  • Fewer air particles lead to less pressure
  • Greater distance from Earth's surface reduces collisions