Atmospheric pressure


the pressure exerted by the earth’s atmosphere at any given point, being the product of the mass of the atmospheric column of the unit area above the given point and of the gravitational acceleration at the given point.
a value of standard or normal atmospheric pressure, equivalent to the pressure exerted by a column of mercury 29.92 inches (760 mm) high, or 1013 millibars (101.3 kilopascals).
Contemporary Examples

But hour after hour of breathy and uninterrupted coverage inevitably creates, shall we say, its own kind of atmospheric pressure.
The Katrina Curse Michael Tomasky August 26, 2011

Historical Examples

atmospheric pressure is increasing, and I feel as if my tympanum were breaking.
Aircraft and Submarines Willis J. Abbot.

This is done to relieve the atmospheric pressure in the final work.
On Laboratory Arts Richard Threlfall

It is easy to see from the equations that the pressure p at EF is less than atmospheric pressure.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1 Various

What is the amount of atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface?
The Reason Why Anonymous

It is for this reason that pumps will not draw water to the full height due to atmospheric pressure.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1 Various

What is the total amount of atmospheric pressure on the earth’s surface?
The Reason Why Anonymous

The third classes of devices above mentioned162 assume atmospheric pressure, and a piston driven by atmospheric pressure.
Perpetual Motion Percy Verance

The down-stroke was made by the atmospheric pressure of 14 lbs.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2) Francis Trevithick

You see the atmospheric pressure varies somewhat with the weather even if you observe it always on the same level.
Camp Venture George Cary Eggleston

noun
the pressure exerted by the atmosphere at the earth’s surface. It has an average value of 1 atmosphere
atmospheric pressure
(āt’mə-sfîr’ĭk)
The pressure at any location on the Earth, caused by the weight of the column of air above it. At sea level, atmospheric pressure has an average value of one atmosphere and gradually decreases as altitude increases. Also called barometric pressure.

Our Living Language : The weight of the air mass, or atmosphere, that envelopes Earth exerts pressure on all points of the planet’s surface. Meteorologists use barometers to measure this atmospheric pressure (also called barometric pressure). At sea level the atmospheric pressure is approximately 1 kilogram per square centimeter (14.7 pounds per square inch), which will cause a column of mercury in a mercury barometer to rise 760 millimeters (30.4 inches). The pressure is frequently expressed in pascals, after the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal, who studied the transmission of pressure in confined fluids. Subtle variations in atmospheric pressure greatly affect the weather. Low pressure generally brings rain. In areas of low air pressure, the air is less dense and relatively warm, which causes it to rise. The expanding and rising air naturally cools, and the water vapor in the air condenses, forming clouds and the drops that fall as rain. In high pressure areas, conversely, the air is dense and relatively cool, which causes it to sink. The water vapor in the sinking air does not condense, leaving the skies sunny and clear.

The pressure caused by the weight of the air above a given point.

Note: Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is about fifteen pounds per square inch. (See barometer.)

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