Question

Bachendri Pal was the first Indian woman to climb the highest mountain peak Mt. Everest. She experienced a breathing problem after reaching the top of the mountain. Why?

• A. Because of more amount of carbon dioxide.
• B. Because of less amount of oxygen.
• C. Because of the increase in the density of air.
• D. Because of the decrease in the density of air.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B Because of less amount of oxygen.
D Because of the decrease in the density of air.

Atmosphere density varies with height, i.e., it is maximum at the sea level and decreases as we go up. Climbers experience breathing problems due to a decrease in the density of air as the oxygen available for breating decreases. Hence they carry oxygen cylinders with them to breathe at high altitudes. The temperature also decreases as we go upwards.