Air Pressure

Air Pressure
This text is from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: National Weather Service.

The atoms and molecules that make up the various

layers in the atmosphere are constantly moving in
random directions. Despite their tiny size, when they
strike a surface they exert a force on that surface in what
we observe as pressure.

Each molecule is too small to feel and only exerts a tiny

bit of force. However, when we sum the total forces from
the large number of molecules that strike a surface each
moment, then the total observed pressure can be
considerable.

Air pressure can be increased (or decreased) one of two

ways. First, simply adding molecules to any particular
container will increase the pressure. A larger number of
molecules in any particular container will increase the The number of molecules in the atmosphere
decreases with height.
number of collisions with the container's boundary, which
is observed as an increase in pressure.

A good example of this is adding (or subtracting) air in an automobile tire. By adding air, the number
of molecules increase as well [as] the total number of the collisions with the tire's inner boundary. The
increased number of collisions forces the tire's pressure increase to expand in size.

The second way of increasing (or decreasing) is by the addition (or subtraction) of heat. Adding heat
to any particular container can transfer energy to air molecules. The molecules therefore move with
increased velocity striking the container's boundary with greater force and is observed as an increase
in pressure.

Since molecules move in all directions, they can even exert air pressure upwards as they smash into
[an] object from underneath. In the atmosphere, air pressure can be exerted in all directions.

In the International Space Station, the density of the air is maintained so that it is similar to the density
at the earth's surface. Therefore, the air pressure is the same in the space station as the earth's
surface (14.7 pounds per square inch).

Back on Earth, as elevation increases, the number of molecules decreases and the density of air
therefore is less, meaning a decrease in air pressure. In fact, while the atmosphere extends more
than 15 miles (24 km) up, one half of the air molecules in the atmosphere are contained within the
first 18,000 feet (5.6 km).

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 Air Pressure

The difference in pressure as height increases

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 Air Pressure - Comprehension Questions

Name: ___________________________________ Date: _______________

1. According to the text, what is pressure?
A. the speed atoms and molecules travel in a container
B. the direction atoms and molecules travel when they strike a surface
C. the force atoms and molecules exert when they strike a surface
D. the layer of atoms and molecules in a container

2. Based on the text, what is the effect of adding molecules or heat to a container?
A. The container's air pressure would decrease.
B. The container's air pressure would increase.
C. The container's air pressure would stay the same.
D. There would be no more air pressure in the container.

3. Read these sentences from the text.

"In the International Space Station, the density of the air is maintained so that it is
similar to the density at the earth's surface. Therefore, the air pressure is the same in
the space station as the earth's surface (14.7 pounds per square inch)."

What can you conclude about the International Space Station?

A. Without air pressure maintenance, air pressure in the International Space Station is
different than in the earth's surface.
B. Without air pressure maintenance, air pressure in the International Space Station is
the same than in the earth's surface.
C. With air pressure maintenance, air pressure in the International Space Station is
different than in the earth's surface.
D. With air pressure maintenance, there is no air pressure in the International Space
Station.

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 Air Pressure - Comprehension Questions

4. Read these sentences from the text.

"In the International Space Station, the density of the air is maintained so that it is
similar to the density at the earth's surface. Therefore, the air pressure is the same in
the space station as the earth's surface (14.7 pounds per square inch)."

Based on the text, what can you infer about the International Space Station?

A. Heat or the number of molecules in the International Space is greater than in the
earth's surface.
B. Heat or the number of molecules in the International Space is less than in the earth's
surface.
C. Heat or a number of molecules was added or subtracted in the International Space
Station.
D. There is no heat or molecule in the International Space Station.

5. What is the main idea of this text?

A. Air pressure is the same in the International Space Station as in the earth's surface
because the density of air is maintained in the station.
B. Air pressure in a container can be increased by adding molecules or heat, and it can
be decreased by subtracting molecules or heat.
C. Air pressure on Earth decreases as elevation increases because the number of
molecules decreases with height.
D. Air pressure is observed by the exerted force of atoms and molecules, and it can be
changed by adding or subtracting molecules or heat.

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High and Low Pressure: Name___________________
Introduction
Instructions: Read through the information below.
Then complete the High / Low statements at bottom of page.
Weather can vary day to day and place to place. One of the many factors of our daily
weather is Air Pressure. Highs and Lows are areas where the air pressure is higher or
lower than surrounding areas. Weather maps show these areas using a large “H” to
represent High pressure and a large “L” to represent Low pressure. As these Highs and
Lows travel across the country, they bring changes in weather. Generally High pressure
areas bring fair weather with clear skies, while Low pressure brings stormy weather and
clouds.

Each type of pressure has its own characteristics. High pressure systems rotate
clockwise and contain sinking dry air. Low pressure systems rotate counterclockwise and
contain moist rising air.

Circle the correct choice for each statement as High or Low :

1- This type of air pressure is sinking. High or Low
2- This type of air pressure causes rain and clouds. High or Low
3- This type of air pressure is rising. High or Low
4- This type of air pressure rotates clockwise. High or Low
5- This type of air pressure means sunny skies. High or Low
6- This type of air pressure rotates counterclockwise. High or Low
7- This type of air pressure is represented by an “H”. High or Low
8- This type of air pressure contains dry air. High or Low

GES - Activity
High and Low Pressure: Name___________________
Weather Map
Instructions: Look at the USA weather map below.
Then complete the weather forecast for the chosen cities.

High pressure, “H” usually Low pressure, “L” usually

means clear skies and nice means cloudy skies, rain,
sunny weather. and snow if temperatures
are cold enough.
USA Weather Map
L 44° Pressure and Temperatures (F°)

L
28° H
47°
37°

72°L H
48°
L

75°
L 67°

H
GES Weather Service

USA City Forecast – Select the best weather forecast for each city by circling your choice.

City Forecast 1 Forecast 2 Forecast 3

Dallas Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries

Seattle Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
Minneapolis Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
Atlanta Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
Denver Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
New York Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
Chicago Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
Los Angeles Sunny Skies Rain Showers Snow Flurries
GES - Activity
Air Pressure and Weather
1. Complete the following sentences.
Low pressure occurs where air is , forming clouds, rain and conditions. The
lower the pressure, the the weather will be.
High pressure occurs where air is , so there are very few clouds. High pressure in the
summer brings clear skies, high temperatures and . Evenings are owing
to the lack of clouds.
High pressure in the winter brings , bright days and freezing night time temperatures.
. is common.

windy stormier cold sinking cooler frost rising sunshine

2. You are going on a camping trip in July. The weather forecast shows an area of high pressure. Make
a list of five items you should pack to cope with the weather.

3. You are on a school trip.

The weather forecast shows an
area of low pressure. Write a
postcard home describing what
the weather is like and whether
it has affected your activities.

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