The Air around You & Air Pressure

Section 1.1 (pg 6-9) Section 1.2 (pg 10-14)

 Weather: the condition of Earths atmosphere at a particular time and place. Atmosphere: the envelope of gases that surrounds the planet. Barometer: an instrument used to measure air pressure. Two common types are mercury and aneroid barometers.

Composition of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere is made up of a mixture of atoms and molecules of different kinds. Earths atmosphere is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and many other gases, as well as particles of liquids and solids. Nitrogen = 78% Oxygen = 21% All other gases (trace gases) = 1%

 Ozone: a form of oxygen that has three oxygen atoms in each molecule instead of the usual two. Carbon dioxide one atom of carbon and two atoms of oxygen. Plants must have carbon dioxide to produce food. - When fuels are burned it increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Water Vapor: water in the form of a gas.

Properties of Air
AIR HAS MASS!!! Density: the amount of mass in a gives volume of air. Pressure: the force pushing on an area or surface. Air pressure: result of the weight of a column of air pushing down on an area.

Altitude and the Properties of Air

Altitude: the distance above sea level.
Air pressure decreases as altitude increases. As Air pressure decreases, so does density.

Would there be more or less air at the top of a mountain? Explain.