what happens to air pressure and the amount of oxygen as the altitude increases in earths atmosphere?
a. Both air pressure in the amount of oxygen decrease.
b. Air pressure increases while the amount of oxygen decreases.
c. Air pressure decreases, while the amount of oxygen increases.
d. Both air pressure in the amount of oxygen increase.
c. Air pressure decreases, while the amount of oxygen decreases.
As the altitude increases in Earth's atmosphere, both the air pressure and the amount of oxygen decrease. Therefore, answer choice a. Both air pressure and the amount of oxygen decrease.
The correct answer is (b) Air pressure increases while the amount of oxygen decreases.
As altitude increases in Earth's atmosphere, the air pressure decreases. This is because the atmosphere becomes less dense at higher altitudes. The molecules that make up the air are more spread out, resulting in fewer molecules per unit volume, which leads to a decrease in air pressure.
At the same time, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere also decreases with increasing altitude. The Earth's atmosphere is predominantly made up of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%). As altitude increases, the concentration of oxygen remains relatively constant up to a certain height, called the troposphere. However, above the troposphere, the concentration of oxygen starts to decrease. This is because the higher you go, the narrower the column of air above you becomes, resulting in a gradual decrease in the number of oxygen molecules.
To determine the changes in air pressure and the amount of oxygen at different altitudes, you can refer to scientific data or use atmospheric models. The most commonly used atmospheric model is the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA). It provides a standard profile of temperature, pressure, and density with respect to altitude, which can be used to calculate the changes at various heights. Additionally, atmospheric data collected by weather balloons, aircraft, and satellites can also provide valuable information on the variations in air pressure and oxygen levels at different altitudes.