Have you ever observed that there is atmospheric pressure all around you? Also known as air pressure, it is the pressure exerted on us by the tiny air molecules or air particles. Despite their size, molecules of air have weight and occupy space. However, air molecules can be compressed and fitted in to a smaller space as there is plenty of empty space between the particles. Compressed air, or air fitted into a smaller space is called high pressure air or as being 'under high pressure.' In fact the air we are so used to is constantly applying pressure on us, but we don't actually feel it.
How are air pressure and weather connected?
Atmospheric pressure is measured with a barometer. Barometer is an instrument that can measure the air pressure at a specific location in a unit known as 'millibars' (mb) or inches of mercury; 1013.25 millibars = 29.92 inches of mercury. Weather forecasters use a barometer to measure the pressure of air to understand whether there is a high or low pressure zone and how that will impact the ocean etc. The ability to measure air pressure is very useful for accurate weather forecasting and predicating any future natural catastrophes. It tells us the kind of weather conditions to expect and whether we'll have clear skies or cloudy skies with heavy rainfall etc.
How much air pressure can humans feel?
Atmospheric pressure is continuously being exerted upon you all the time. The pressure is applied at the rate of 14.7 pounds/square inch or 1 Kilogram/square centimeter. This is a lot of pressure. However, since we have air inside our bodies as well, the pressure inside balances he pressure outside, allowing us to breathe easy and stay firm, rather than be squashed due to so much pressure.
Atmospheric pressure is continuously being exerted upon you all the time. The pressure is applied at the rate of 14.7 pounds/square inch or 1 Kilogram/square centimeter. This is a lot of pressure. However, since we have air inside our bodies as well, the pressure inside balances he pressure outside, allowing us to breathe easy and stay firm, rather than be squashed due to so much pressure.
How do changes in atmospheric pressure affect me?
If you may have observed, the pressure on the top of a mountain is less as compared to pressure in the plains. That's because the number of air molecules surrounding you on a hilly area are less, creating low air pressure. This also causes, what we call, 'popping of ears' in order to balance out the pressure inside and outside the body. As you take in lesser number of oxygen molecules, you tend to breathe faster to get more oxygen. Your lungs are under pressure as are your other organs. That's how air pressure changes can affect you.
If you may have observed, the pressure on the top of a mountain is less as compared to pressure in the plains. That's because the number of air molecules surrounding you on a hilly area are less, creating low air pressure. This also causes, what we call, 'popping of ears' in order to balance out the pressure inside and outside the body. As you take in lesser number of oxygen molecules, you tend to breathe faster to get more oxygen. Your lungs are under pressure as are your other organs. That's how air pressure changes can affect you.
Air pressure decreases by about 3% for every 1,000 ft of height increase.
One of the most important fundamentals we need to understand is that heavier gases have more weight than lighter gases. This means that different elements have different atomic weight. Now air is made up of 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen. The atomic weight of nitrogen is 14 and oxygen has a weight of 16. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxygen is heavier than nitrogen and tends to settle down faster than nitrogen making it rare at heights.
