Chapter 30, Problem 12RQ

What causes pressure difference to arise and hence causes the wind to blow?

To determine

The cause of pressure difference to arise that result in the wind to blow.

Answer to Problem 12RQ

The cause of pressure difference to arise that result in the wind to blow is the temperature difference in the atmosphere.

Explanation of Solution

As warm air rises, it expands and cools. When the air rises, their voids are filled by cooler air sinks. Such motion constitutes a convection cycle and thermal circulation of the air. This is known as convection current.

As the convection current stir the atmosphere, the result is wind. It is defined as the air with an average horizontal motion. The wind is generated due to the pressure differences in air, which was caused due to the temperature difference.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the cause of pressure difference to arise that result in the wind to blow is the temperature difference in the atmosphere.