Atmospheric Pressure
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 1.13.2
Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit of area created by the weight of the air (particles) in the atmosphere. Atmospheric pressure is measured using a mercury barometer.
Mountains
- At the top of mountains, atmospheric pressure is lower because there is less air (fewer particles) pressing down on the mountain.
- Air is lighter than water, but it still exerts pressure on the things beneath it.
Aeroplanes
- When we move quickly up into the Earth’s atmosphere on a plane, your ears pop because of the drop in atmospheric (air) pressure.
Test yourself on Atmospheric Pressure
Why do your ears pop on an aeroplane?
Explain how snowshoes work.