The pilot climbed to an altitude of 2 km. What is the atmospheric pressure of air at this height

The pilot climbed to an altitude of 2 km. What is the atmospheric pressure of air at this height if at the surface of the earth it is equal to 750 mm Hg?

Answer: the pressure at an altitude of 2 km will be 550 mm Hg.

Solution:

1) In the troposphere, on average, the pressure decreases by 10 mm Hg. for every 100 m of height. Let’s calculate how much the pressure will decrease at an altitude of 2 km (2000 m).

2000 m / 10 mm Hg = 200 mm Hg

2) Knowing the atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface (750 mm Hg), we will calculate the pressure at an altitude of 2 km.

750 – 200 = 550 (mmHg)