Definition: Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above a given point on Earth's surface.
Pressure Variation with Altitude: Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. As you ascend, there is less air above you, resulting in lower pressure.
Standard Atmospheric Pressure: At sea level, the standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 101.3 kilopascals (kPa) or 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi).
Pressure Units: Atmospheric pressure is often measured in units such as millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg).
Altitude and Boiling Point: Lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes affects the boiling point of water, causing it to boil at a lower temperature compared to sea level.
Altitude Sickness: Reduced atmospheric pressure at high altitudes can lead to altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Aircraft Cabin Pressure: Aircraft cabins are pressurized to maintain a comfortable environment for passengers at cruising altitudes, where natural atmospheric pressure is insufficient.
Barometric Pressure Changes: Changes in atmospheric pressure are associated with weather patterns, and monitoring barometric pressure is a tool in weather forecasting.