The Fascinating World of Atmospheric Pressure
What is atmospheric pressure and how is it measured?
Choose the correct statement:
a. Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted on a surface by the weight of the air above that surface. It is measured in mmHg, atm, and Pa.
b. Atmospheric pressure is the force of wind blowing against a surface. It is measured in meters per second.
Answer:
a. Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted on a surface by the weight of the air above that surface. It is measured in mmHg, atm, and Pa.
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the air above a certain point on Earth's surface. It is often measured in units such as millimeters of mercury (mmHg), atmospheres (atm), and pascals (Pa).
The most commonly used unit for atmospheric pressure is atm, where 1 atm is equivalent to the average pressure at sea level. This average pressure is approximately 760 mmHg or 101,325 Pa.
When atmospheric pressure is lower, it signifies a higher elevation above sea level, while higher atmospheric pressure indicates a lower elevation or the presence of a high-pressure system. Understanding atmospheric pressure is crucial in meteorology and weather forecasting.