3.5.18

Atmospheric Pressure

Test yourself

Atmospheric Pressure

Pressure from the atmosphere is pushing on us from all directions. We don’t feel it though.

Illustrative background for Sea level pressureIllustrative background for Sea level pressure ?? "content

Sea level pressure

  • At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is on average 100,000 N/m2 (Pa).
  • Pressure changes slightly because of temperature and how humid the air is.
  • High pressure means hot and fresh weather.
  • Low pressure means stormy weather.
Illustrative background for Height and pressureIllustrative background for Height and pressure ?? "content

Height and pressure

  • As you increase height, pressure decreases.
  • The pressure at the top of Mount Everest is 30,000 N/m2 (Pa).
  • As the pressure decreases with height, there is also a lack of oxygen. This is why mountaineers carry oxygen with them when they climb Mount Everest.
  • Because of the drop in pressure with height, aeroplanes must be pressurised to keep the pressure more like sea-level.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson