large. For instance, the density of the Earth’s atmosphere is about 1.28 kg/m^3 at sea
level (and 0°C), but only 0.38 kg/m^3 at an altitude of 10,600 m (35,000 ft) above sea
level (at í20°C). The lower layers of the atmosphere are significantly compressed by
the weight of the air above them. Mountain climbers note this difference, remarking that
the air is “thinner” at higher altitudes.Pressure due to a fluid
Function of:
·density of fluid
·acceleration of gravity
·height of columnPressure of a fluid (liquid)
P = ȡgh
P = pressure
ȡ = density of liquid
g = acceleration of gravity
h = height of liquid column
Pressure can be summed
Ptotal = ȈP = P 1 + P 2 +...+ Pn
Total pressure = sum of pressures
(^252) Copyright 2000-2007 Kinetic Books Co. Chapter 13