Why does atmospheric pressure decrease as you rise above earths surface?

Answer 1

As you ascend higher in the Earth's atmosphere, the atmospheric pressure decreases due to several factors:

Decreasing Density: The atmosphere is made up of gases held by the Earth's gravity. As you move higher, the density of the air decreases. Lower density means fewer gas molecules in a given volume, resulting in reduced pressure.

Weight of the Air Column: Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the air above a given point. When you're closer to the Earth's surface, there's a thicker column of air above you, exerting greater pressure. As you ascend, the column of air above you decreases, leading to lower pressure.

Gravitational Force: Gravity pulls gas molecules towards the Earth's surface. Near the surface, the weight of the air above compresses the air below, increasing pressure. As you move away from Earth's surface, the gravitational force weakens, allowing molecules to spread out more, leading to reduced pressure.

Temperature Gradient: The temperature in the atmosphere varies with altitude. Generally, the troposphere (the lowest atmospheric layer) experiences a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude. Cooler air is denser, contributing to higher pressure at lower altitudes.

These combined factors result in a decrease in atmospheric pressure with altitude. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is higher due to the weight of the air column above. As you ascend, the fewer air molecules and reduced weight of the air column lead to lower atmospheric pressure. This decrease continues as you move higher into the atmosphere.

Answer 2

As you go up, the less air their is above you pressing down. So the pressure decreases as you go up.