Atmospheric pressure

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

  It is mostly made up of nitrogen.
• Why is oxygen important in the Earth's atmosphere?

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

  They keep the planet warm.
• What is the function of the ozone layer?

  It keeps out the most harmful radiation.
• How does the density of gas particles change with elevation?

  The density decreases as you get further away from the Earth.
• How can we visualize the relationship between atmospheric pressure and elevation?

  By plotting a graph of atmospheric pressure against elevation above sea level.
• What happens to atmospheric pressure as elevation increases?

  Atmospheric pressure decreases as elevation increases.
• Why does an object at sea level experience more pressure than the same object at 1,000 meters up?

  There are more air particles around the object at sea level, leading to more collisions.
• How does the number of collisions with gas particles relate to pressure?

  More collisions result in a greater overall force, leading to higher pressure.
• What is the relationship between weight of gas particles and atmospheric pressure?

  The weight of gas particles above an object contributes to the pressure on that object.
• Why do mountain climbers need to carry oxygen cylinders?

  The air is too thin at high elevations, resulting in insufficient oxygen to breathe.
• What are the main factors that determine atmospheric pressure?

  • Density of gas particles
  • Weight of gas particles above the object
• What happens to atmospheric pressure as you ascend in the atmosphere?

  • Atmospheric pressure decreases
  • Fewer gas particles are present above
  • Less weight pressing down on objects