Final answer:
Sea level pressure is the atmospheric pressure at sea level, which is typically averaged at 1013.25 millibars (mb) or equivalent to a 760 mm column of mercury. The correct answer to the student's question is C. 1013.2 mb.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sea level pressure is the atmospheric pressure at sea level, which is the average pressure exerted by the weight of the Earth's atmosphere at mean sea level. This standard pressure serves as a reference point for weather forecasting, aircraft altimeters, and other scientific and engineering applications. Through careful measurement and calculations, it has been determined that the average sea level pressure is 1013.25 millibars (mb), which is equivalent to 1 atm or 1013.25 hPa. This standard pressure can also be expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), with sea level pressure corresponding to a mercury column of approximately 760 mm in height.
Given the choices provided to the student's question, C. 1013.2 mb is the closest approximation to the average sea level pressure, even though the scientifically accepted average is slightly higher at 1013.25 mb.