How does atmospheric pressure change with height?

Atmospheric pressure decreases with height due to the reduction in the weight of the air above a given point as altitude increases. At sea level, the density of air is highest because the weight of the atmosphere compresses the air molecules closer together. As you ascend, there is less air above you, resulting in fewer air molecules exerting pressure downward.

This decrease in atmospheric pressure with height can be attributed to the principles of hydrostatics, where the pressure in a fluid (in this case, the atmosphere) decreases with elevation. This concept is often illustrated with the behavior of barometers or through the observation of aircraft flight, where pilots experience lower pressure at high altitudes, requiring careful management of cabin pressure for comfort and safety.

Understanding this principle is crucial in various applications, including meteorology, aviation, and environmental science, as it affects weather patterns, flying conditions, and even the boiling point of liquids at different elevations.