Question

As the altitude increases, atmospheric pressure __________.(decreases/increases)

Answer 1

1. Atmospheric pressure is the force that the atmosphere exerts on the earth's surface.
2. The weight of the air above any point on the earth's surface exerts pressure.
3. Since the air column is the tallest at sea level, atmospheric pressure is at its highest at sea level.
4. As we climb higher in altitude from sea level, the length of the air column reduces.
5. Since the weight of the air column depends directly upon the length of the air column, a decrease in the length of the air column reduces weight and thereby pressure.

Hence, as the altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases.