The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology (14th Edition)
The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology (14th Edition)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9780134758589
Author: Frederick K. Lutgens, Edward J. Tarbuck, Redina Herman, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 6, Problem 1RQ
To determine

The definition of atmospheric pressure and the way in which it is measured.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The force exerted at a location by the overlying air is known as atmospheric pressure and it is measured using a barometer.

Explanation of Solution

Atmospheric pressure can be defined as the force per unit area on a surface exerted by the weight of the air present above. It is also known as air pressure. Average atmospheric pressure at the sea level is 14.7 pounds per square inch.

Atmospheric pressure is measured using an instrument known as the barometer. There are two types of barometer. They are the aneroid barometer and the mercury barometer. In the aneroid barometer, a partially evacuated metal chamber is used. The chamber is sensitive to the pressure variations and depending on the increase and decrease in pressure, it compress and expands, respectively. In the mercury barometer, mercury is used and the weight of the mercury in the column equates the weight of a similar-diameter air column that extended from the ground to the top of the atmosphere.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Which of the following is NOT a natural reservoir for water? trees, lakes, creeks, rivers, atmosphere
1. Draw an arrow on the map to indicate the direction that the main river, the Genesee, is flowing. (Hint: Use the elevations of the two bench marks [BM] next to the river near the top and bottom of the map to determine your answer.) 2. Use the BM elevations from Question 1 to calculate the approximate gradient of the Genesee River.  3. Use Figure 8.9 to draw a profile along line A-A". Use only index contour lines.  4. Approximately how many feet is the Genesee River above sea level? 5. The path of the Genesee River can best be described as which of the following: a straight course or a meandering course? 6. Which phrase most accurately describes most of the areas beyond the Genesee River Valley: very broad and flat or relatively hilly and dissected? 7. Use the fractional scales on the Angelica topographic map and the Portage, Montana, map (page 136) to answer the following. a. What is the fractional scale for the Angelica map? b. How does this compare to the fractional scale for the…
1. Compare the stereogram in Figure 8.7 to the map in Figure 8.6. Then, on the topographic map, outline the area shown in the photo. 2. Is the terrain in Section 14, located on the west side of this map, relatively flat or hilly? Explain. 3. Label the areas that topographically resemble Section 14 on the topographic map as "upland." 4. Describe the topography in the lower half of Section 17, located three sections east of section 14. 5. Section 17 contains a portion of the valley occupied by the Missouri River. Approximately what percentage of the area shown on the map is stream valley (similar to the lower half of Section 17) and what percentage is upland? 6. Which of the following best describes the shape of the Missouri River Valley along the line labeled D.-D': wide valley with a floodplain or steep-sided V-shaped valley with no floodplain?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,