ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE Meaning and
Definition
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Atmospheric pressure refers to the force exerted per unit area by the Earth's atmosphere onto any surface it comes into contact with. It is a measure of the weight of the air above a particular point, and its magnitude decreases with increasing altitude. It is primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Earth, which compresses the atmospheric gases closer to the surface.
The standard unit for measuring atmospheric pressure is the pascal (Pa), although other units like millibar (mb) and inches of mercury (inHg) are also commonly used. The average atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101.3 kilopascals (kPa), equal to 1 atmosphere (atm). However, atmospheric pressure can vary due to several factors, such as changes in weather patterns, altitude, and geography.
Decreases in atmospheric pressure are usually associated with low-pressure systems or the approach of a storm, causing air to rise and condensation to occur. This often leads to cloudy or stormy weather conditions. Conversely, increases in atmospheric pressure indicate high-pressure systems, which are characterized by sinking air and generally result in fair and sunny weather.
Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in various natural phenomena and human activities. It affects weather patterns, influences the movement of winds, and helps control the distribution and transmission of heat. It is also vital for everyday activities like measuring tire pressure, operating barometers, or understanding the effects of altitude on human physiology.
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The weight of the atmosphere on a surface, being about 14 lb. to the square inch.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
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Etymology of ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
The word "atmospheric" comes from the modern Latin term "atmosphericus", which is derived from the Greek word "atmos", meaning "vapor" or "vaporized something". The term "pressure" is derived from the Latin word "pressura", which means "a pressing, pushing, or compression".
Therefore, the term "atmospheric pressure" combines these two elements. It refers to the force per unit area exerted by the Earth's atmosphere on a given surface. The concept was developed in the mid-17th century by the Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli, who invented the mercury barometer and used it to measure atmospheric pressure.
Similar spelling words for ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
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