True or False: The atmospheric pressure in Big Bear is greater than the atmospheric pressure at Citrus College.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: False
Explanation:
Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. This is because the Earth’s atmosphere becomes thinner as you go higher, meaning there are fewer air molecules pressing down from above.
Big Bear, located in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California, sits at an elevation of about 6,700 feet (2,040 meters) above sea level. In contrast, Citrus College is located in Glendora, California, which is at a much lower elevation of about 800 feet (244 meters) above sea level.
Since Citrus College is at a lower elevation, the weight of the air above it is greater. This means the air pressure at Citrus College is higher than the air pressure in Big Bear.
Why this is the case:
Atmospheric pressure is the result of the weight of the air above a particular point. The higher you go:
- There is less air above you, so
- The pressure exerted by the air is less.
This principle is fundamental in meteorology, aviation, and mountaineering. For instance, climbers going up mountains notice breathing becomes harder not just because of less oxygen, but also because the total air pressure is lower, making all gases (including oxygen) less dense.
Real-world example:
Pilots must adjust their altimeters based on air pressure changes with altitude. Weather stations report “sea level pressure” for this reason, so that atmospheric pressures from different elevations can be compared meaningfully.
Summary:
Since Big Bear is at a much higher elevation than Citrus College, its atmospheric pressure is lower. Therefore, the statement “The atmospheric pressure in Big Bear is greater than the atmospheric pressure at Citrus College” is False.