Question

select the correct answer. which statement about atmospheric pressure near earth’s surface is true? a. it increases as you move away from earth’s surface. b. it decreases as you move away from earth’s surface. c. it is constant throughout earth’s atmosphere. d. it is measured using a thermometer.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about atmospheric pressure near Earth’s surface:

• Option A: Atmospheric pressure decreases (not increases) with increasing altitude as there is less air above, so A is wrong.
• Option B: As you move away from Earth’s surface (increase altitude), the number of air molecules above a given area reduces, so atmospheric pressure decreases. This is correct.
• Option C: Atmospheric pressure varies with altitude, weather, etc., so it is not constant throughout the atmosphere, making C wrong.
• Option D: A thermometer measures temperature, while atmospheric pressure is measured by a barometer, so D is wrong.

Answer:

B. It decreases as you move away from Earth’s surface.