Atmospheric pressure is caused by __________.
A) the weight overlying air molecules pushing down from higher in the atmosphere
B) the increasing size of air molecules lower in the atmosphere
C) interactions between air molecules and the Earth's magnetic field
D) the solar wind pushing on the atmosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight overlying air molecules pushing down from higher in the atmosphere. The force of gravity pulls all objects on Earth towards the center of the planet, including the air molecules. The air molecules at lower levels of the atmosphere must support the weight of all the air molecules above them, resulting in atmospheric pressure.

Atmospheric Pressure Is Caused by __________