Atmospheric gas:
A)will, for a given amount of gas, experience an increase in pressure if the volume of the gas is decreased.
B)undergoes abrupt pressure changes as height above the surface of the earth increases.
C)has a smaller mean free path at higher elevations than at lower elevations.
D)has no significant effect on sports events played at different elevations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Boyle's Law, for a given amount of gas, if the volume is decreased, the pressure will increase.

Answer: B
 As height above the surface of the earth increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. Therefore, abrupt pressure changes occur at various elevations.

Answer: C
 Mean free path refers to the average distance a molecule travels before it collides with another molecule. At higher elevations, atmospheric gas is less dense, and molecules are further apart, resulting in a smaller mean free path than at lower elevations.

Answer: D
 The atmospheric gas does not directly affect sports events played at different elevations. However, the decrease in atmospheric pressure at higher elevations may affect athletes' performance due to decreased oxygen availability.

Atmospheric Gas