Question

If sea level temperature is 100°F (10°C), what is the temperature at an altitude of 10,000 feet (610m)? (Use the lapse rate.)

A) 100°F (10°C).
B) 90°F (32°C).
C) 60°F (16°C).
D) 40°F (4°C).

Answer 1

The temperature at an altitude of 10,000 feet can be determined using the lapse rate. Using the standard lapse rate of 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters, we can calculate the temperature decrease and convert it to Fahrenheit to find the answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the temperature at an altitude of 10,000 feet using the lapse rate, we need to calculate the decrease in temperature with height. The standard lapse rate is approximately 6.5 K per km, which means the temperature decreases by 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1000 meters of altitude gained.

At an altitude of 10,000 feet, which is approximately 610 meters, the temperature would decrease by:

(6.5 degrees Celsius/1000 meters) * 610 meters = 3.965 degrees Celsius

To convert this temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, we can use the formula:

Fahrenheit = (9/5) * Celsius + 32

Plugging in the temperature difference, the Fahrenheit temperature at an altitude of 10,000 feet would be:

Fahrenheit = (9/5) * 3.965 + 32 = 39.137 degrees Fahrenheit

So, the correct answer is D) 40°F (4°C).