Question

A barometer, which is often used to monitor the weather, is a device that measures air pressure. How could you use a barometer to measure your altitude as you climbed in the mountains?

a) Measure the humidity
b) Measure the temperature
c) Measure the atmospheric pressure
d) Measure the wind speed

Answer 1

A barometer is used to measure altitude by measuring the atmospheric pressure, which decreases as altitude increases.

Step-by-step explanation:

You can use a barometer to measure your altitude in the mountains by measuring the atmospheric pressure. As you climb higher, the atmospheric pressure decreases because the density of air molecules above you is reduced. This pressure change is related to altitude changes, and barometers can be calibrated to convert these pressure changes into an estimate of altitude. Traditional mercury barometers, as well as aneroid barometers which use an evacuated metal capsule for pressure measurement, are capable of this function. The correct answer for the student's question on how to use a barometer to measure altitude is (c) Measure the atmospheric pressure.