Answer to Question #281406 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for mrizwan

Question

The barometer of a mountain hiker reads 750 mbars

at the beginning of a hiking trip and 650 mbars at the end.

Neglecting the effect of altitude on local gravitational acceleration,

determine the vertical distance climbed. Assume an

average air density of 1.20 kg/m3.

Answer 1

Solution:

Initial pressure = 750 mbar

Final pressure = 650 mbar

Converting to Pascal

1 mbar = 100 Pa

Initial pressure = 750 mbar = 75000 Pa

Final pressure = 650 mbar = 65000 Pa

ΔP = Pressure difference = 75000-65000 = 10000 Pa

g = Acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s²

Δh = Height difference

ρ = Density of air = 1.20 kg/m³

ΔP = ρgΔh

∴ Vertical distance climbed is 849.47 m