Final answer:
When an airplane rises to high altitudes, the air pressure decreases, and this decrease in pressure affects the air pressure in the ears. As a result, passengers may experience temporary pain or discomfort in their ears due to the change in volume of air in the ears and the need for the ears to equalize the pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an airplane rises to high altitudes, the air pressure decreases. This decrease in air pressure affects the air pressure in the ears and can cause temporary pain. Here's how it happens:
- The air pressure in the ears decreases: As the airplane ascends, the air pressure in the cabin decreases. This reduced air pressure affects the air pressure in the ears.
- The volume of air in the ears decreases: The decrease in cabin pressure leads to a decrease in the volume of air in the ears.
- The change in volume causes discomfort: The decrease in volume can cause temporary discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the ears.
- It takes time for the ears to dispel excess air past the eardrum: The air pressure inside and outside the ears needs time to equalize, and excess air may need to be dispelled past the eardrum. This process can cause temporary pain or discomfort in the ears.