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 air particles as you go higher in the atmosphere?

  There are fewer air particles
• What is the relationship between air particle collisions and pressure?

  More collisions result in higher pressure
• If an object is at sea level, how does the number of air particles around it compare to one at 1,000 meters?

  There are more air particles at sea level
• What does a greater force from collisions indicate about pressure?

  It creates higher pressure
• What contributes to the pressure experienced by an object at sea level?

  The weight of gas particles above it
• Why does an object at 1,000 meters experience less pressure?

  It has fewer gas particles above it
• Why do mountain climbers carry oxygen cylinders?

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

  • Density of gas particles
  • Weight of gas particles above the object
• How does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

  • Pressure decreases with increasing elevation
  • Fewer air particles lead to fewer collisions
  • Weight of gas above decreases with altitude