Question

What is atmospheric pressure? Write any four applications of atmospheric pressure.

Answer 1

Definition of atmospheric pressure:

1. The pressure exerted by the atmosphere on the earth is known as atmospheric pressure.
2. The atmospheric pressure on the earth's surface at sea level is 101.325 Pa.
3. Atmospheric pressure is given by the formula,

$$\begin{gathered} P_a=hpg \\ where, \\ h=theheightofthemercurycolumn, \\ \rho =densityofthefluid, \\ Pa=theatmosphericpressure \\ g=accelerationduetogravity \\ valueofg=9.8m/s^2 \end{gathered}$$

Applications of atmospheric pressure:

1. Ink is filled in the pen because of atmospheric pressure.
2. Wall lizards walk on the wall due to atmospheric pressure. The feet of lizards act like suction pads. the pressure inside the feet is reduced and more pressure is applied outside which enables lizards to walk on the wall easily.
3. We can drink soft drinks easily with a straw. When we drink soft drinks using a straw, we basically suck some air from the straw. Due to this pressure inside the straw is decreased as compared to outside. Hence outside air pushes the drink into the straw.
4. Astronauts wear a special spacesuits. We know we do not feel the atmospheric pressure even though it is exerted on our body because the pressure of our blood enables us to withstand this atmospheric pressure. But since there is no air in space, there is no atmospheric pressure. So if they do not wear a bodysuit, due to increased pressure inside their bodies can cause the bursting of their bodies.