Exponential decay with air pressure

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating air pressure at various altitudes using the formula P = P0e-0.00012h, where P0 represents sea level pressure. Participants clarify that the standard sea level pressure is 1 atm, equivalent to 14.696 psia or 101.325 kPa. For Mount McKinley at 6198 meters, the air pressure can be calculated as a percentage of sea level pressure. Additionally, the air pressure at a cruising altitude of 12,000 meters is also discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the reference pressure for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential functions and decay
  • Familiarity with air pressure units (atm, psia, kPa)
  • Basic knowledge of atmospheric science
  • Ability to perform calculations involving percentages
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate air pressure at various altitudes using the provided formula
  • Explore the relationship between altitude and air pressure in atmospheric science
  • Learn about the implications of reduced air pressure on aviation
  • Investigate other factors affecting air pressure, such as temperature and humidity
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or atmospheric science, aviation professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how altitude affects air pressure.

Jacobpm64
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Air pressure, P, decreases exponentially with the height, h, in meters above sea level:

P = P0e-0.00012h

where P0 is the air pressure at sea level.

(a) At the top of Mount McKinley, height 6198 meters (about 20,330 feet), what is the air pressure, as a percent of the pressure at sea level?

I think I need to know the air pressure at sea level to answer this question but I'm not given it... Does anyone know it if i need it, and if I don't.. how do i solve the problem without it?

(b) The maximum cruising altitude of an ordinary commercial jet is around 12,000 meters (about 39,000 feet). At that height, what is the air pressure, as a percent of the sea level value?

Same question for this one.
 
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The air pressure at sea-level is taken as the reference 1 atm of pressure, or 14.696 psia (absolute pressure), or 0.101325 MPa, or 101.325 kPa, 760 mm Hg, or 760 torr (assuming Temp = 25°C/298 K)

This might be useful for future reference -
http://www.silcom.com/~aludwig/Physics/UNITS.html - find pressure near bottom of page.
 
so I guess it doesn't matter which units I use?... I suppose atmospheres would be the best to work with.
 
This is why I encourage people to actually Read the Problem before trying to solve it! Then you might notice that the problem asks "what is the air pressure, as a percent of the pressure at sea level?"
 

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