Final answer:
The student's question involves calculating atmospheric pressure at various altitudes using an exponential formula. By plugging in the respective altitudes of Mount McKinley, Denver, and Death Valley into the formula, we can determine the atmospheric pressures at those locations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to find the atmospheric pressure at different elevations using the formula P(a) = 14.5e^{-0.21a}, where a is the altitude in miles above sea level.
- For Mount McKinley, which is 3.85 miles above sea level, we substitute 3.85 into the formula to get P(3.85) = 14.5e^{-0.21 × 3.85}.
- For Denver, known as the "mile-high" city, located at 1 mile above sea level, we use P(1) = 14.5e^{-0.21 × 1}.
- For Death Valley, which is 632 feet below sea level (approximately 0.12 miles below), we modify the altitude to be a negative value in the formula, yielding P(-0.12) = 14.5e^{-0.21 × (-0.12)}.
Claims like the drying of breathing passages at high altitudes relate to the partial pressure of oxygen and resulting physiological effects, but are not necessary for calculating atmospheric pressure.