The pressure in the atmosphere of Earth varies with altitude by
A) decreasing smoothly with altitude, dropping by about half for every 5.5 km.
B) increasing over a small altitude range above the surface of Earth (about 1 km) and then decreasing smoothly with increasing altitude.
C) remaining a constant up to the height of the highest mountains, then decreasing rapidly.
D) decreasing and increasing several times with increasing altitude, following the temperature variation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure in the Earth's atmosphere decreases smoothly with altitude, approximately halving for every 5.5 km increase in altitude. This is due to the decrease in the density of air molecules at higher altitudes.

The Pressure in the Atmosphere of Earth Varies with Altitude